site.btaSofia Forum Discusses Water Security, Infrastructure

The conference “Water and Security: National Solutions to Critical Challenges with European Support” was held on Friday at the Sofia Balkan Palace hotel. The conference was focused on challenges in the water sector, local needs and capacities, and possible solutions for infrastructure modernization in the context of the EU cohesion policy midterm review and the European Water Resilience Strategy.

Participants in the conference included Independent MEP of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms Taner Kabilov, the Minister of Environment and Water, Manol Genov, Deputy Agriculture Minister Ivan Kapitanov, Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov and European Commission Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto.

Taner Kabilov warned that the expected accelerated growth of high-tech industries in the European Union will lead to more than a threefold increase in water consumption. He said that Europe is one of the fastest-warming continents, and 2024 was among the most difficult years for the Union due to floods, droughts, and other climate-related disasters. “Unfortunately, we are already seeing similar events again this year,” he added. He underscored the need for a coordinated approach between the EU level and national executive, legislative, and local authorities in order to find sustainable solutions for water resource management and future crisis response.

Environment Minister Genov said that sustainable results in the water sector can be achieved through open debate on its most urgent problems and solutions. Genov noted that weaknesses in water management are now openly acknowledged, including losses in water supply networks, insufficient treatment, pollution, and a lack of efficiency. He also pointed out that Bulgaria will need to submit a national plan to reduce losses by 2030, once a common EU threshold has been established. Genov added that the Ministry is actively engaged in wastewater treatment projects, with agreements signed with seven water operators to upgrade infrastructure.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Kapitanov said that his Ministry has opened a new application round under the strategic plan for modernizing irrigation networks, with 35 projects worth a total of EUR 115 million expected to be contracted and launched next year. The Deputy Minister highlighted the State’s goal of restoring 250,000 ha of irrigated land by 2028, which will enable more farmers to achieve higher yields and greater resilience. Kapitanov emphasized that problems related to irrigation, drought, and floods affect farmers on a daily basis and require consistent government policy, investment, and modernization. He noted that the completion of projects to rehabilitate hydromelioration infrastructure in 2025 is already producing visible results, including reduced water losses and more land included in irrigation systems.

One of the problems with the water supply is the outdated and depreciated network of water and sewage pipes, with water losses in some settlements reaching over 60%, said Regional Development Minister Ivanov. He recalled that the National Assembly had decided to establish a National Water Board to coordinate the response and discussion of measures taken by various institutions. Ivanov also said that analyses had shown that over BGN 33 billion was needed to replace and rebuild the water and sanitation infrastructure in the country. He added that a report had been submitted to the National Water Board to implement the most urgent projects, which require funding of over BGN 4 billion.

Significant support is available for the water sector in Bulgaria during the current programming period, said European Commission Executive Vice-President Fitto in a video address to the participants in the conference. He explained that these investments are aimed at modernizing water supply networks, improving wastewater treatment, and reducing water losses, which will help ensure compliance with EU environmental standards. Projects are progressing across the country, bringing clear benefits to residents, businesses, and visitors. The EC Vice-President said that achieving the sustainability of water resources requires a shift from reacting to crises toward anticipating risks and preparing early, adding that cohesion policy is ready to support this transition and noted that Bulgaria can rely on the continued support of the Commission.