Cyprus secures €30 million EU grant for enhanced maritime surveillance

Cyprus has secured an additional €30 million in funding from the European Commission to enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities. This funding follows the successful selection of a proposal titled "Upgrade of the Capabilities of the Surveillance System," submitted by the European Funds Unit of the Ministry of Interior, which manages Home Affairs Funds.

The proposal, submitted under the Specific Action Call for Expressions of Interest "Electronic Surveillance Systems at the External Sea Border (Sea Border E-Surveillance)," aims to bolster the surveillance systems at the maritime borders controlled by the Republic of Cyprus. The enhanced surveillance is intended to more effectively prevent cross-border crime and illegal immigration.

Prepared in cooperation with the Centre for Coordination, Search and Rescue, the proposal was chosen among other submissions to the European Commission based on specific evaluation criteria.

The European Commission’s support through policies and targeted measures aims to help Member States like Cyprus manage migration flows more effectively. The project will be co-funded by the European Union's Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument (BMVI).

The upgrade is expected to significantly improve Cyprus’s capabilities in monitoring its maritime borders, contributing to the broader efforts of the European Union to maintain secure and controlled borders.