The Axios (also known as the Vardar) river originates in North Macedonia and flows into the Aegean Sea near the Greek city of Thessaloniki. Its basin covers an area of over 24,000 km² and encompasses most of North Macedonia, as well as parts of Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece. Around two million people live in the basin and depend on the river, making it a vital lifeline for Greece and North Macedonia.
The investigation uncovered a chaotic situation with regard to credentials in North Macedonia, as well as wilful negligence and a complete failure of the existing protection mechanisms. It also revealed the abuse of European funds intended for the protection of the river. In Greece, although chemicals in the watch lists are within EU limits, the river's environmental status is categorised as 'poor, bad or moderate'. Our research identified a multitude of stressors, ranging from diminishing water flows to human interventions and climate change. This has led to a dangerous paradox: although the values used as indicators are within EU limits, the river's actual ecological indicators suffer. Fish and other flora and fauna in and around the river are in distress or have disappeared.
