--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -95,10 +95,10 @@
 # 2020-05-25 PH added a check for Intel CET
 # 2020-12-03 PH altered the definition of pcre2test as suggested by Daniel
 
-PROJECT(PCRE2 C)
 
 # Increased minimum to 2.8.5 to support GNUInstallDirs.
 CMAKE_MINIMUM_REQUIRED(VERSION 2.8.5)
+PROJECT(PCRE2 C)
 
 # Set policy CMP0026 to avoid warnings for the use of LOCATION in
 # GET_TARGET_PROPERTY. This should no longer be required.