The European Commission has announced a €63 million humanitarian aid package to support people affected by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar and Rohingya refugees in neighboring countries, with the largest share of funding allocated to Bangladesh. The announcement comes as the crisis triggered by Myanmar’s 2021 military coup enters its fifth year and humanitarian needs continue to escalate across the region.

Of the total allocation, more than €38.6 million will be directed inside Myanmar to provide life-saving assistance, including food aid, emergency nutrition, shelter for displaced communities, access to clean water and sanitation, healthcare services in hard-to-reach areas, mine risk education, support for landmine victims, and emergency education programmes. According to The Brussels Times, the funding forms part of the European Union’s initial 2026 humanitarian budget for South and Southeast Asia.

Bangladesh will receive €23.4 million to support nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, most of whom are living in camps in Cox’s Bazar, as well as host communities bearing the long-term impact of the displacement. The assistance will focus on food and nutrition support, maintenance of camp shelters and essential facilities, healthcare services, emergency education, and improved access to water and sanitation.

Beyond Myanmar and Bangladesh, the European Commission has allocated an additional €1 million to provide life-saving aid for refugees and host communities in other affected countries, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, reflecting the regional spillover of Myanmar’s protracted conflict. All EU humanitarian funding will be channeled through partner organizations such as UN agencies and international non-governmental organizations.

EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib said the bloc remains committed to supporting vulnerable populations both inside Myanmar and those forced to flee abroad. She also urged all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and ensure civilians can safely access essential services.

Humanitarian needs in Myanmar have surged since the military takeover five years ago and were further aggravated by a powerful earthquake in 2025. Following a UN-led reprioritisation amid global funding cuts, just over 16 million people are now considered in urgent need of assistance. More than 3.6 million people have been forcibly displaced, with fighting affecting most parts of the country.

Meanwhile, prospects for the safe and voluntary return of Rohingya refugees remain bleak. More than eight years after their mass exodus, nearly 1.3 million Rohingya continue to live in Bangladesh, while fresh arrivals have been reported as conflict and insecurity persist along the border.

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