EU Pledges EUR 14 Million to Bolster Resilience and Self-Reliance in Cox’s Bazar

The European Union has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the Rohingya refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh, announcing a fresh development grant of EUR 14 million to bolster aid and protection efforts.

The funding renewal, announced by the EU and UNHCR on Thursday, comes as officials emphasize the need to evolve the humanitarian strategy for the displaced population. 

"As needs remain protracted, we need to transform the response," said Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh.

The new grant is designed to sustain lifesaving assistance for the 1.2 million Rohingya refugees residing in Cox’s Bazar, while simultaneously supporting the livelihoods of the Bangladeshi host communities. 

This contribution complements existing EU humanitarian funding and previous multi-year development policy commitments.

The initiative aims to provide nearly 70,000 members of the host community and the refugee population with tools for resilience and self-reliance, including access to clean cooking gas and various skills development programs.

"With a focus on space for more education, skills development and to generate income, the European Union will help Bangladeshi host communities in Cox’s Bazar and, for the Rohingya, will expand options for education, lead to the learning of practical, portable skills and improve living conditions," Ambassador Miller explained. 

"This is about preserving dignity, strengthening resilience and giving refugees the tools to rebuild their lives – preparing them for voluntary, safe and dignified return to Myanmar when conditions allow."

The UNHCR is currently coordinating the 2025–2026 Joint Response Plan (JRP), which calls for USD 710 million this year to meet the critical needs of the 1.2 million refugees, including new arrivals.

Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, expressed gratitude for the continued support: “Reliable, steadfast support is fundamental to the well-being of families who have experienced immense hardship for the past nine years. We are grateful to the European Union for standing with the Rohingya in Bangladesh, ensuring that refugees can access vital protection services, meet their basic needs, and maintain hope for a safer and more dignified future.”

UNHCR noted that refugees remain highly vulnerable due to overcrowded living conditions and limited resources. 

Providing essential services—such as safe shelters, well-lit camp environments, and community-based protection mechanisms—remains a top priority, especially for women and children facing risks of gender-based violence, trafficking and exploitation.

Specifically, the provision of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) is a vital intervention, as it protects women and children from the dangers of foraging for firewood, improves household air quality, and mitigates environmental pressure on local forests. 

Furthermore, expanding livelihood opportunities is viewed as a necessary step to reduce aid dependency and restore a sense of agency among the refugees.

The announcement precedes World Refugee Day, observed on June 20, which serves as a global moment to honor the resilience of displaced people and recognize the vital contributions of host communities. 

The European Union continues to be a key global supporter of such programs, prioritizing sustainable solutions in the face of ongoing displacement.

With Inputs from UNB