Bulgaria Faces Water Crisis and EU Funding Challenges, Says Deputy PM

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev addressed key national issues during Parliament’s Question Time on Friday. Responding to inquiries from the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria group, Donchev emphasized that Bulgaria’s water crisis requires more than just pipeline investments. He stressed the need for at least five new reservoirs to ensure stable water supply for both residents and irrigation, CE Report quotes BTA

Highlighting the situation in Northern Bulgaria, Donchev pointed out the necessity of completing the main water pipeline to Sevlievo, recalling nearly BGN 10 million spent on its rehabilitation. Addressing Lovech and Pleven, he stated that additional water sources are crucial alongside infrastructure projects. The government, he assured, is committed to industry-wide reforms to improve water and sanitation services.

Donchev also discussed the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), revealing that Bulgaria risks receiving no funds from the second tranche due to unfulfilled reforms. He stated that Parliament and the government have six months to determine which reforms are feasible to secure part of the funding. With only 11% of the NRRP funds spent over four years, Donchev warned that Bulgaria has just 18 months to utilize the remaining 89% before the August 2026 deadline.

Negotiations with the European Commission are underway to address these challenges, as Bulgaria has so far received EUR 1.36 billion under the plan, including an advance payment and the first tranche.