Brussels: On World Refugee Day, the European Union, in a joint statement by the European Commission and the High Representative, emphasized the strength and resilience of over 117 million displaced individuals worldwide. These individuals, displaced by conflict, persecution, violence, and human rights violations, consistently demonstrate courage in rebuilding their lives and contributing to their host communities.
According to European Union, as the world's leading humanitarian donor, the EU and its Member States actively support refugees, asylum seekers, and host communities while promoting international protection standards, access to essential services, and durable solutions. Through its global partnerships, including collaborations with the United Nations, the EU addresses the root causes of displacement, aiming to stabilize crisis-affected regions. Notably, in 2025, the global number of displaced individuals saw a decline for the first time in a decade, underscoring the significance of the EU's strategic approach.
The EU has undertaken significant responsibilities in hosting refugees, notably providing temporary protection to over 4.8 million individuals fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Beyond Europe, the EU leads humanitarian efforts in regions such as Sudan, Gaza, Lebanon, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, delivering essential aid including food, water, shelter, education, and healthcare.
Moreover, the EU invests in long-term solutions fostering self-reliance among refugees and host communities through education, livelihoods, social protection, and social cohesion. The recently adopted Joint Communication on Humanitarian Action bolsters this strategy with an Integrated Approach to Fragility, promoting public-private partnerships to invest in fragile settings. This approach aims to address the root causes of fragility and displacement by strengthening resilience, promoting stability and peace, and supporting sustainable development, while simultaneously meeting immediate humanitarian needs.
Global cooperation remains crucial, with the EU's humanitarian and development partners playing pivotal roles in protecting the rights and dignity of refugees and asylum seekers worldwide. The EU remains a steadfast partner of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
With the introduction of the first European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy, the EU outlines a vision for a comprehensive approach to migration and asylum, balancing fairness and firmness in its policies.