EU Grants Nearly $1.8 Million for Mine Clearance in Cambodia

The European Union (EU) has approved a grant of 1,598,999 Euros, equivalent to approximately 1.8 million US dollars, to support the demining and explosive remnants of war clearance activities of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) in cooperation with the organization APOPO. Mr. Heng Ratana, Director-General of CMAC, stated that the approval of this aid was confirmed by Mr. Andreas Roettger, Head of the FPI Working Group of the European Union, during a working meeting at the Techo Peace Museum in Siem Reap province on the afternoon of September 22, 2026. The project will run for 18 months, starting from October 2026, and will be implemented in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces. The aid will support the clearance of over 6,000 hectares of affected land, as well as mine risk education and technical surveys on land affected by explosive remnants of war. During the meeting, Mr. Heng Ratana briefed the EU delegation on the ongoing impact of explosive remnants of war, which pose risks to public safety, socio-economics, and cultural heritage. The EU delegation also visited the Techo Peace Museum, which displays exhibits, photographs, and historical evidence of the tragedies and destruction caused by war, as well as highlighting the immense value of peace. Mr. Heng Ratana expressed gratitude to the EU for its support and reaffirmed CMAC's commitment to continue strengthening cooperation with the EU and APOPO to reduce the threat from explosive remnants of war and contribute to building a safer Cambodia.