Italy announces competition for €6 million grant to clear mines in Ukraine

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has launched a call for a €6 million grant to support mine clearance operations in the conflict-affected frontline zones of Ukraine. The maximum funding for one project is €1.8 million.

According to the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, projects should focus on both technical and non-technical land surveys and include activities to raise public awareness of mine threats.

The Kharkiv region is recognized as a priority, since 55 of its 56 municipalities were affected by military action.

“This is the first time that a partner country has allocated funds specifically for demining Ukrainian territories, while Ukrainian operators are also involved in the demining process. I believe that such cooperation will accelerate the reclamation of contaminated lands and strengthen interaction – not only at the institutional level, but also between organizations and companies working to return Ukrainian lands to safety,” said First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko.

Only non-profit organizations may apply, although they may work with commercial mine clearance operators as project partners.

Applications will be accepted until 11 May 2025 and the project duration is up to 15 months.