In November 2004, the European Commission launched a de‑mining initiative as part of its Partnership for the Future program, with €2.5 million allocated in the first year toward clearing mine‐contaminated areas in Cyprus’s UN buffer zone — particularly around the old Nicosia International Airport.

The project initially targeted eight minefields under the control of the Greek Cypriot National Guard.

The minefields are interspersed across the buffer zone, including around Nicosia Airport, though the total number in that vicinity is less than 40.

Contractors from various countries (including...