New Funding Programmes for Water Supply Projects
New funding instruments totalling €95 million are being launched to support water supply projects undertaken by municipalities and Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Enterprises (DEYAs), with particular emphasis on islands facing severe water shortages.
According to a press release issued by Dodecanese MP Manos Konsolas, water infrastructure projects worth up to €65 million will be financed through the Development Programme of the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
Municipalities and DEYAs are eligible to apply and must submit their proposals by Friday, September 11, 2026, specifying the projects they intend to implement.
Two additional calls for proposals, specifically aimed at water supply projects in island municipalities, are expected to be launched by the autumn, with a combined budget of €30 million.
Manos Konsolas had previously raised the issue in Parliament, calling for dedicated funding programmes to support DEYAs and municipal water services on islands. He highlighted that Symi, Leros, Karpathos, Astypalaia and Patmos have been declared in a state of emergency due to water scarcity.
He has also submitted six proposals to the Ministers of Environment and Energy and Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, seeking further support for island municipalities and water utilities.
The proposals include:
- A ten-year technical assistance programme for DEYAs and island municipalities, financed through European and national funds.
- The introduction of reduced electricity tariffs or state coverage of part of the energy costs of island desalination plants, in order to lower operating expenses and prevent additional costs from being passed on to residents.
- A special framework for restructuring debts owed by DEYAs and island municipalities to Greece’s Public Power Corporation.
- More flexible licensing procedures for renewable energy projects supplying power to island desalination plants.
- A dedicated funding programme for the construction of water reuse infrastructure.
- Studies exploring how artificial intelligence could be used by DEYAs and island municipal services, according to the particular needs of each area.
The development of modern and resilient water infrastructure has become an urgent priority for Greece’s islands, as limited water resources and increasing demand continue to place local supply networks under growing pressure.
