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SOFIA – Achieving sustainability of water resources requires anticipating risks and early preparation. This was stated by Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission (EC), in a video address to the participants in the conference “Water and Security – National Solutions for Critical Challenges with European Support” in Sofia.
Fitto added that the cohesion policy is ready to support this transition and added that Bulgaria can rely on the continued support of the EC. We support access to basic water supply services, wastewater treatment and sustainable water management in all regions, Fitto said. He pointed out that since Bulgaria joined the EU, cohesion policies have helped to provide cleaner drinking water, modernize wastewater treatment and improve water supply networks.
Raffaele Fitto also noted that in the current programming period there is significant support for the water sector in Bulgaria. He explained that these investments are aimed at modernizing water supply networks, improving wastewater treatment, and reducing water losses, which will help to comply with the EU’s environmental standards. Projects are progressing across the country, bringing clear benefits to residents, businesses and people visiting the country, he said. Fitto stated that for the EC, the sustainability of water resources is one of the key priorities, adding that this is in line with the newly adopted strategy for water resources sustainability.
Water is a right to life and part of national security, and policies in the sector have for years been facing the consequences of climate change – rare rainfall, prolonged droughts and floods leading to serious damage, said the Bulgarian Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov at the forum. He noted that weaknesses in water management are now openly recognized and, in his words, this is precisely why the topic of water sustainability has been raised at the European level. Genov emphasized the EU’s ambitious goal to improve water efficiency by at least 10 percent by 2030, with Member States having to reduce leaks and develop the reuse of water in agriculture, energy and industry.
The Bulgarian Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov commented that among the problems with water supply is the outdated and worn-out water and sewerage network. According to him, analyses have established that resources amounting to more than 33 billion leva are needed for the replacement and reconstruction of the water and sewerage infrastructure, which is why all possibilities for financing – national and European – must be used. (28.11.2025)