European Commission Strengthens Support for Peacebuilding in Cyprus with €2.6 Million Agreement

EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community

The European Commission has signed a €2.6 million agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to further support the efforts of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP). This marks the 16th such agreement, underscoring the European Commission's unwavering commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation on the island.

The funding, provided through the EU’s Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, will support CMP’s mission to recover, identify, and return the remains of missing persons to their families. CMP’s objective is to address the fates of 2,002 individuals—492 Turkish Cypriots and 1,510 Greek Cypriots—who went missing during the inter-communal violence of 1963-1964 and the events of 1974.

The European Commission has consistently supported the bi-communal scientific teams, comprising Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot experts, who are involved at every stage of CMP’s work. This collaboration not only aids in the humanitarian effort to bring closure to families, but also promotes mutual understanding and cooperation between the two communities—key elements in advancing reconciliation in Cyprus.

Since 2006, the European Commission has been the largest financial contributor to CMP’s work, with total support of €41.1 million. This assistance has significantly contributed to the identification of 1,051 individuals, providing solace to affected families and reinforcing the broader goals of peacebuilding on the island.

For more information

CMP - COMMITEE ON MISSING PERSONS IN CYPRUS (cmp-cyprus.org)