A new cross-border agreement between Italian and Slovenian water utilities aims to guarantee uninterrupted drinking water supplies in the event of drought, natural disasters or technical failures.
AcegasApsAmga and Rižanski vodovod Koper signed the deal in Trieste on 2nd March. It formalises cooperation in the border area between north-eastern Italy and Slovenia that began with a pilot project in 2023.
The agreement allows for the mutual supply of drinking water in emergency situations. It creates what the companies described as an additional safety network for users on both sides of the frontier.
Upgraded cross-border link
Central to the initiative is the existing connection between the Santa Barbara area in the Municipality of Muggia, near Trieste, and Elerji in the Municipality of Koper. Funding from the Slovenian government allowed for the recent upgrading of the link.
The improved infrastructure enables a bidirectional flow of drinking water between the two countries. Under the new framework, supply can be activated in defined emergency scenarios, temporarily with prior notice, or within a limited annual volume agreed in advance. The accord sets out technical, operational and quality standards to regulate any transfer.
The aim is to ensure continuity of service in the event of extraordinary circumstances such as prolonged drought, climate-related stress, infrastructure breakdowns or other unforeseen disruptions.
Focus on resilience
Carlo Andriolo, CEO of AcegasApsAmga, said the agreement represented “a significant step in cross-border cooperation in the field of water resource management”.
“Strengthening resilience means complementing infrastructure with organisational and decision-making models capable of ensuring service continuity even in complex scenarios, such as those imposed by climate change,” he said.
Martin Pregelj, director of Rižanski vodovod Koper, said the upgraded interconnection would allow both utilities to respond more effectively to emergencies.
“Today’s agreement consolidates a long-standing collaboration and confirms the shared commitment to ensuring a safe and stable drinking water supply for the residents of the entire region,” he said.
Regional cooperation
The initiative reflects broader efforts within the European Union to enhance cross-border infrastructure and resource management, particularly in regions where communities and supply networks are closely interconnected.
Trieste and the surrounding Friuli Venezia Giulia region share longstanding economic and social ties with neighbouring Slovenia. By formalising emergency water-sharing arrangements, the two utilities aim to reduce vulnerability to climate change and other risks while reinforcing cooperation across the border.
The agreement provides a structured framework for rapid activation if required, with predefined quantities and flow rates intended to ensure clarity and operational readiness.
