The Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development EBRD discussed opportunities for irrigation development in Bulgaria

The Minister of Agriculture and Food, Plamen Abrovsky, held a working meeting with the Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for Bulgaria, Manuela Naessl. Deputy Ministers Prof. Krum Nedelkov and Krasimir Chakarov, as well as representatives of the bank, also participated in the meeting.

During the conversation, opportunities for cooperation between the Ministry and the EBRD in the fields of hydro-melioration, irrigation, and the sustainable management of forest resources were discussed.

"One of the main priorities of the Ministry's current leadership is the restoration and modernization of the country's hydro-melioration infrastructure. Another key priority is the need to conduct a comprehensive categorization and inventory of Bulgarian forests," stated Minister Abrovsky. According to him, these are the precise areas where significant potential for joint cooperation exists.

For her part, Manuela Naessl presented the bank's expertise and experience in implementing irrigation projects in Greece and Serbia. She explained that the two countries have adopted different approaches: Greece relies on public-private partnerships, while Serbia focuses on state investments. Manuela Naessl recommended conducting a preliminary feasibility study to identify specific areas for investment and development within the hydro-melioration system.

Both parties confirmed their readiness to continue the expert dialogue and to work together in finding sustainable solutions for the development of Bulgaria's hydro-melioration sector.