EU Grants Cambodia €1.6 Million to Clear Cluster Munitions and Explosive Remnants of War
EU Grants Cambodia €1.6 Million to Clear Cluster Munitions and Explosive Remnants of War
PHNOM PENH, October 27, 2026 — The European Union (EU) has provided Cambodia with a €1.6 million grant, equivalent to approximately US$1.8 million, to accelerate the survey and clearance of cluster munitions and unexploded ordnance in border provinces.
The initiative aims to protect civilians, improve safety in affected communities and support the recovery of socioeconomic activities in areas impacted by explosive remnants of war.
On October 27, the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and international humanitarian organisation APOPO signed a memorandum of understanding at CMAC’s headquarters in Phnom Penh to implement the project, titled “Supporting Stability and Recovery in Cambodia’s Border Provinces through Accelerated Survey and Clearance of Cluster Munitions and Explosive Remnants of War.”
The agreement was signed by CMAC Director-General Heng Ratana and APOPO Cambodia Country Director Michael Raine.
The 18-month project will run from October 2026 to March 2028, with its entire €1.6 million budget funded by the EU.
Clearing Explosive Remnants in Conflict-Affected Areas
APOPO has been a key international partner of CMAC in mine action and explosive remnants clearance since 2014. Their cooperation has helped release land from the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war while strengthening technical expertise and operational capacity.
The partnership is particularly important for clearing areas affected by cluster munitions and shelling during the 2025 conflict, which threatened civilian homes and agricultural land.
Humanitarian clearance operations have also used detection animals, including mine-detection dogs and rats, to help locate landmines and other explosive hazards.
Through the new project, CMAC and APOPO aim to accelerate surveys and clearance operations to reduce risks to local communities and create safer conditions for residents to live and earn their livelihoods.
Supporting Community Recovery and Safety
Beyond removing explosive hazards, the project is expected to help restore economic and social activities in affected areas and create more favourable conditions for sustainable development.
CMAC and APOPO have pledged to continue working closely together, drawing on their respective expertise, experience and technical capabilities to ensure that survey and clearance operations are conducted safely and effectively.
The initiative is expected to contribute to saving lives, rebuilding affected communities and strengthening human security across Cambodia’s border provinces.
