EU allocates €63 million in response to the crisis in Myanmar and its impact on neighbouring countries

The European Commission has allocated €63 million in humanitarian aid to help populations affected by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, as well as to support Rohingya refugees living in neighbouring countries, in particular in Bangladesh. This funding, announced as the conflict triggered by the military coup in Myanmar reaches its fifth year, is part of the initial 2026 allocation of the EU for South and Southeast Asia.

In the case of Myanmar, over €38.6 million allocated this year will be used for:

• food assistance and emergency nutrition, given the high levels of food insecurity
• shelter for people that have been forcibly displaced
• access to clean water and sanitation
• healthcare for populations affected by the conflict and in hard-to-reach areas
• mine risk education and assistance for victims of landmines
• education in emergencies

The €23.4 million earmarked for Bangladesh will support the almost 1.2 million Rohingya refugees living in the country, mostly in Cox's Bazar, as well as the host communities. Funding will be used for life-saving assistance, including:

• food assistance and nutrition
• maintenance of camp shelters and other facilities
• provision of essential services such as healthcare, emergency education, and access to water and sanitation

Given the regional dimension of Myanmar's crisis, an additional allocation of €1 million will provide life-saving aid to refugees and host communities in other countries such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

All EU humanitarian funding is channelled via partner organisations such as international NGOs and UN agencies.

Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib said:

'As we mark half a decade since the dramatic escalation of conflict in Myanmar, the EU remains committed to helping the most vulnerable communities in the country, as well as those that have been forced to flee abroad. With this new funding, humanitarian partners will continue providing life-saving aid, from food and shelter to emergency healthcare and education for children. Once more, I call all parties to respect International Humanitarian Law and to ensure that civilians are protected and can access essential services.'

Background

In Myanmar, humanitarian needs have risen dramatically since the military takeover 5 years ago, with the situation worsened by the strong earthquake that hit the country in 2025. Following global funding cuts and a subsequent prioritisation exercise conducted by the UN, the number of people prioritised for assistance due to the Myanmar crisis has been narrowed to just over 16 million, with over 3.6 million forcibly displaced. Fighting affects most of the country, with the conflict rated as the second deadliest in the world.

As the conflict in Myanmar continues unabated, a safe return to the country remains impossible for the almost 1.2 million Rohingya refugees that live in Bangladesh. More than 8 years since their massive exodus from Myanmar, and with more people fleeing the ongoing conflict to Bangladesh, living conditions in the camps remain dire. Scarce livelihood opportunities and increased insecurity are pushing more and more refugees to risk dangerous journeys to reach Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and India.