Western Balkans Drought Exposes Flaws in Energy and Water Management Amid Heatwave

The recent heatwave scorching the Western Balkans has brought not just discomfort but a stark warning about failed policies and overreliance on fragile hydropower systems. Temperatures soared to an unbearable 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) in central Albania, with forecasts showing no significant rain until September—turning vital rivers into near-dry beds after a bone-dry winter and spring. Instead of proactive infrastructure planning, local authorities are scrambling to cope. Albania hastily completed a project diverting water from the northern Mat River to irrigate about 4,000 hectares of farmland—a stopgap solution highlighting chronic neglect of sustainable water management. The impact on energy is...