WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex has supported more than 33,000 returns from EU member states to non-EU countries in the first half of 2026. This number marks an increase from approximately 30,000 during the same period last year. Of these, around 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, compared to about 19,000 a year earlier. According to agency data released on Sept. 7, the total number of Frontex-supported returns since 2022 now stands at roughly 215,000 people.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency assists national authorities after an individual receives an enforceable return decision, which is issued once all legal options to remain in the EU are exhausted. National authorities determine whether a return is voluntary or forced. Voluntary returns involve compliance with the decision, whereas forced removals occur when the individual does not meet the obligation to leave. The agency provides support for both scenarios.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden recorded the highest number of agency-supported returns between January and June. The primary nationalities among those returning were from Türkiye, Syria, Georgia, Colombia, India, Brazil, Albania, Morocco, Nigeria, and Iraq. During this period, Frontex deployed 109 Return Specialists across 15 member states. An additional 118 Return Escort and Support Officers operated in 11 member states, providing assistance with travel arrangements, airport procedures, and flight logistics.
Most cases involve voluntary returns
During the first half of 2026, nearly 14,000 individuals registered for EU reintegration assistance, a significant increase from around 8,000 registrations during the same period in 2025. More than 80% of these participants returned voluntarily. Reintegration programs may include vocational training, counseling services, and grants to support small businesses once individuals return to their countries of origin. Member states are also permitted to include other eligible returnees in these programs.
Return specialists support national authorities by managing cases, explaining available assistance, and assisting with obtaining identity documents from countries of origin. Escort and support officers accompany some returnees and handle administrative procedures related to departures. Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens emphasized that operations must adhere to legal standards while safeguarding safety and dignity. He also highlighted the agency’s focus on voluntary returns and reintegration assistance, noting that such approaches can lessen staffing and logistical challenges associated with forced removals.
Legislative process advances EU return regulations
The latest data follows a provisional agreement on common return rules reached by European Union negotiators on June 1. The European Parliament endorsed its first-reading position on June 17 with 418 votes in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. The proposed framework targets third-country nationals lacking a legal right to remain within member states, establishing cooperation obligations and introducing a European Return Order to facilitate recognition of return decisions across the EU.
The agreed legislation allows for return hubs in non-EU countries under arrangements compliant with international law and human rights standards, excluding unaccompanied minors from such facilities. It also details measures for individuals considered security threats and maintains voluntary recognition of return decisions for the time being. The 2026 figures reveal that EU return operations are higher than last year, with voluntary returns still representing the majority of Frontex-supported cases.