On July 29, 2026, a working meeting on the European Water Resilience Strategy was held at the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA), with the participation of Iliyana Todorova, Director of the Water Management Directorate at the Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW), ministry experts, as well as representatives of industry organisations and businesses.
The event was organised as part of the “Together for Sustainable Employment” project, implemented by BIA in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MLSP) and the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (CITUB), and funded under the Human Resources Development Programme.
During the meeting, the main objectives and priorities of the strategy were presented. The strategy focuses on restoring and protecting the water cycle, building a more efficient and competitive economy, and ensuring access to clean water for all users. Particular emphasis was placed on the “Water Efficiency First” principle and the target of improving the efficiency of water resource use by 10% by 2030.
MOEW experts also presented the five main areas of action under the European Water Resilience Strategy, which will form the basis for implementing future measures for the sustainable management of water resources:
- governance and implementation
- financing, investment and infrastructure
- digitalisation
- research and innovation
- security and preparedness
As part of the discussion, participants were also briefed on the latest information regarding the state of Bulgaria’s water resources. It was noted that water scarcity remains a challenge in certain regions of the country, while losses in water supply systems continue to increase. At the same time, it was emphasised that, at present, there are no settlements supplied by complex and significant reservoirs that are subject to water-supply restrictions.
Business representatives raised questions concerning the practical implementation of the strategy. During the discussion, they stressed the need to establish working groups involving businesses as early as the stage of drafting the relevant legislation, in order to ensure that effective and workable provisions are developed. The need for better coordination between the MOEW and the other institutions responsible for implementing water-related policies was also highlighted.
