Greek MEP Kostas Papadakis (NI) has submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission, demanding action over the acute irrigation crisis in the Kopaida region, where farmers are left without water for their crops due to obsolete infrastructure and what he calls the commercialisation of water. The question, filed on 18 April 2026, targets EU policies that Papadakis argues prioritise corporate green investments over basic farming needs.
Papadakis highlights that Lake Yliki's water levels are at historic lows, and the failure to repair a floating pumping station prevents extraction from greater depths. He blames the EU and Greek government for treating water as a commodity, citing the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water (RAAEY) and the dismantling of Local Land Improvement Organisations (TOEB). The imposition of 'cost recovery' through the Water Management Organisation in Thessaly, he claims, drives up prices and worsens public infrastructure.
The MEP's first question challenges the Commission on why irrigation infrastructure is deemed 'ineligible' or 'costly' under EU cost-benefit criteria, while heavily subsidising corporate green investments like wind turbines and photovoltaics. His second question calls for full and immediate compensation for Kopaida farmers, urging the Commission to waive State aid restrictions that hinder effective support for ordinary households.
As a written parliamentary question under Rule 144, the Commission is expected to respond within approximately six weeks. The answer will signal the EU's stance on balancing agricultural water needs with environmental and market policies, and whether it considers the Kopaida case a priority for intervention or compensation.
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