Nicosia: 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), it was announced on Thursday. This marks the 17th such agreement, underscoring the European Commission's unwavering commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation on the island, it is added.
According to Cyprus News Agency, 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, it is noted.
The European Commission says it 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," it is noted.
Since 2006, the European Commission says it has been the largest financial contributor to CMP's work, with total support of £43.7 million. This assistance has significantly contributed to the identification of 1,058 individuals, providing solace to affected families and reinforcing the broader goals of peacebuilding on the island, the announcement concludes.
According to statistical data published on the CMP website by September 30, 2025, out of 2002 missing persons, 1,707 were exhumed and 1,057 were identified. Out of 1,510 Greek Cypriot missing persons, 761 were identified and 749 are still missing. Out of 492 Turkish Cypriot missing persons, 296 were identified and 196 are still missing.