Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has held a high-level government meeting to address the "urgent problem" of water scarcity in the Attica region, which includes the capital, Athens, amid growing concerns over dwindling reserves.
Government sources described the session at the Maximos Mansion as focused on immediate initiatives to manage the risks posed by the water shortage, based on the latest hydrological data.
Protecting water as a vital public resource was emphasized as the top priority. While specific measures were discussed, official announcements detailing the government's plan are expected in the coming weeks.
According to reports by the news outlet iefimerida.gr, proposals under consideration include a potential increase in water tariffs of €3 to €4 per household.
The additional revenue would reportedly be used to finance critical infrastructure projects needed to secure the water supply for Greece's largest urban centers, Athens and Thessaloniki, which are most vulnerable to shortages.
The government's swift response reflects heightened alarm over prolonged drought conditions affecting Greece and the wider Mediterranean.
The meeting underscores the imperative to develop sustainable water management strategies to cope with the impacts of climate change and increasing demand in urban areas.
Participants discussed immediate actions to mitigate risks while laying the groundwork for longer-term solutions to ensure water security for the region's millions of residents.