The European Union (EU) is giving €2.6 million to a group called the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP). This money will help find people who disappeared during past conflicts in Cyprus. The EU wants to solve this long-standing problem. This donation is part of a bigger EU plan. The EU has given the CMP €43.7 million since 2006.
The CMP is made up of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. It works to help families who have waited many years to know what happened to their loved ones. The group wants to identify and return the remains of those who went missing. They hope to finish most cases by 2026. The new EU money is important for the CMP's work. It helps with finding bodies and identifying them.
The CMP has had success. They have found 1,707 bodies so far. They have identified 1,058 missing people. This shows the sad results of the conflict. Many Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are among those identified. Other countries also help. Greece gave €50,000 last year. Turkey gave US$100,000. This shows a shared wish for peace.
The CMP's work brings comfort to families. Last year, 22 bodies were found. Seven people were identified. Six were Greek Cypriot, and one was Turkish Cypriot. The Cyprus missing persons project is very successful. The EU is the main supporter of this work. This helps the CMP reach its goal for 2026.
The CMP's work is a symbol of hope. It shows what can be done for people missing from conflicts. The EU's support is a good investment. It helps bring peace to Cyprus. More support is needed for the CMP to finish its work by 2026. This will end the long wait for many families.