Provided is an electrolyte membrane containing: a reinforced inner layer; and an unreinforced outer layer on one or each side of the reinforced inner layer, wherein the reinforced inner layer includes an inner ion exchange resin reinforced with a non-woven fabric composed of a melt moldable fluororesin in the form of a continuous fiber, wherein a number of intersecting points of the continuous fiber are fused and/or bonded, and wherein the unreinforced outer layer includes an outer ion exchange resin, which may be the same as or different from the inner ion exchange resin. Also provided is a membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, wherein the membrane electrode assembly contains the above-mentioned polymer electrolyte membrane.