WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex reported supporting over 33,000 returns from EU member states to non-EU countries during the first half of 2026. This number increased from approximately 30,000 in the same period last year. Of those, around 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, compared to roughly 19,000 a year earlier. The latest data brings the total of Frontex-supported returns since 2022 to about 215,000 people, according to agency statistics published on Sept. 7.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency assists national authorities after a person receives an enforceable return decision. Such a decision is issued once all legal avenues to remain in the EU have been exhausted. It is then up to national authorities to determine whether the return is voluntary or forced. Voluntary cases involve compliance with the decision, whereas forced returns occur when an individual fails to leave voluntarily. The agency provides support for both types of return.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden recorded the highest numbers of agency-supported returns between January and June. The main 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, while an additional 118 Return Escort and Support Officers worked in 11 member states to facilitate travel, manage airport procedures, and coordinate flight logistics.
Most cases involve voluntary returns
During the first half of 2026, nearly 14,000 individuals registered for EU reintegration assistance, a rise from about 8,000 registrations in the same timeframe in 2025. Over 80% of these participants returned voluntarily. Reintegration support typically includes vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses after individuals return to their countries of origin. Member states may also enroll other eligible returnees in the program.
Return specialists assist national authorities in managing cases, explaining available support, and obtaining identity documents from countries of origin. Escort and support officers accompany some returnees and handle administrative tasks related to departures. Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens emphasized that operations must adhere to legal standards while safeguarding safety and dignity. He highlighted the importance of voluntary return and reintegration support as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts. The agency believes that voluntary returns can lessen staffing and logistical burdens associated with forced removals.
Legislative process advances EU return policies
These latest statistics follow European Union negotiators reaching a provisional agreement on common return rules on June 1. The European Parliament approved its first-reading position on June 17 with 418 votes in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. The proposed framework addresses third-country nationals without a legal right to stay in member states, establishes cooperation obligations, and introduces a European Return Order to facilitate recognition of return decisions across the EU.
The finalized text allows for return hubs in non-EU countries under arrangements that comply with international law and human rights standards, though unaccompanied minors are excluded from these arrangements. It also includes specific measures for individuals considered security threats and maintains the voluntary nature of mutual recognition of return decisions for the time being. The 2026 figures demonstrate an increase in EU return activities compared to the previous year, with voluntary returns continuing to make up the majority of Frontex-supported cases.