WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex supported over 33,000 returns from EU member states to non-EU countries during the first half of 2026, marking an increase from approximately 30,000 in the same period last year. Around 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, compared to about 19,000 the previous year. According to agency data released on Sept. 7, this latest total brings the number of Frontex-supported returns since 2022 to roughly 215,000 people.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency assists national authorities once a person receives an enforceable return decision, which is issued after all legal avenues for remaining in the EU have been exhausted. It is up to national authorities to determine whether a return occurs on a voluntary basis or is enforced. Voluntary returns involve compliance with the decision, whereas forced returns are carried out when the individual does not meet the obligation to depart. The agency offers support in both scenarios.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden recorded the highest figures of agency-supported returns between January and June. The main nationalities among those returning included individuals from Türkiye, Syria, Georgia, Colombia, India, Brazil, Albania, Morocco, Nigeria, and Iraq. During this period, Frontex deployed 109 Return Specialists across 15 member states, while an additional 118 Return Escort and Support Officers operated in 11 member states to facilitate travel arrangements, airport procedures, and flight logistics.
Most cases involve voluntary returns
During the first six months of 2026, nearly 14,000 people registered for EU reintegration assistance, a significant rise from about 8,000 registrations during the same period of 2025. Over 80% of these individuals returned voluntarily. Reintegration support can encompass vocational training, counseling, and grants to help small businesses reestablish after return to their home countries. Member states also have the option to enroll other eligible returnees in the program.
Return specialists assist national authorities in managing cases, explaining available support options, and obtaining identity documents from countries of origin. Escort and support officers accompany some returnees and coordinate administrative tasks related to departures. Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens emphasized that operations must adhere to legal standards and prioritize safety and dignity, highlighting the agency’s focus on voluntary return and reintegration efforts. The agency notes that voluntary returns tend to lessen staffing and logistical burdens typically associated with forced removals.
Legislative process advances on EU return policies
These recent figures follow European Union negotiators reaching a provisional deal on shared return rules on June 1. The European Parliament gave its first reading approval on June 17 with a vote of 418 in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. The proposed framework addresses third-country nationals without a legal right to stay within member states, establishing cooperation obligations and creating a European Return Order to facilitate recognition of return decisions across the bloc.
The agreement permits the establishment of return hubs in non-EU countries under arrangements that comply with international law and human rights standards, although unaccompanied minors are excluded from these provisions. It also outlines specific measures for individuals considered security threats and maintains the voluntary nature of mutual recognition of return decisions for the time being. The 2026 data indicate that EU return operations have increased in volume compared to the previous year, with voluntary returns still constituting the majority of cases supported by Frontex.