Valencia is reigniting its longstanding dispute over the Tajo-Segura water transfer, despite a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court that upheld the government’s decision to reduce water transfers. The domestic legal battle appears to be over, but the regional government, led by Carlos Mazón, is now exploring potential legal challenges at the European level, determined to continue advocating for the region’s water rights.
Following the Supreme Court’s rejection of the Generalitat’s appeal against the cutbacks, Valencia’s regional government is not backing down. Officials have indicated that they are considering taking the matter to European courts as they explore all possible avenues to challenge the decision.
Mazón’s stand against central government
Carlos Mazón, the president of the Valencian Community, has made the water transfer issue a central part of his political agenda. He has accused the central government of neglecting the region’s needs, particularly in terms of water supply for Alicante’s agricultural sector. Mazón’s stance taps into broader regional sentiments, positioning the dispute as another example of what he sees as discriminatory treatment by the national government.
Economic impact on Valencia’s agriculture
The cutbacks in the Tajo-Segura water transfer have significant implications for Valencia’s economy. The region estimates that thousands of jobs in the agricultural sector are at risk due to the reduced water supply. Moreover, financial losses could be substantial, with a report from the Generalitat predicting losses of over €200 million annually. This potential economic impact underscores why the Valencian government is so determined to continue its fight, despite the challenges ahead.
What is the Tajo-Segura Trasvase?
The Tajo-Segura Trasvase is a critical water transfer system in Spain, moving water from the Tagus River in central Spain to the Segura River basin in the arid southeast. This system is benefiting regions like Murcia, Alicante, and Almería. The transfer is essential for supporting agriculture and urban water supplies in these regions.
However, the project has sparked a long-standing dispute between southeastern regions, which depend on the water for economic reasons, and upstream regions like Castilla-La Mancha and Madrid. The upstream regions argue that the transfer is depleting the Tagus River and harming its ecosystems. The conflict has led to legal battles and political tensions, with recent court rulings upholding reductions in the water transfer to ensure ecological sustainability, further fueling the dispute.