WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex has supported over 33,000 returns from EU member states to non-EU countries during the initial six months of 2026. This number has increased from approximately 30,000 in the same timeframe last year. Among those, roughly 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, compared to about 19,000 a year earlier. According to agency data published on Sept. 7, this latest total brings the supported return count since 2022 to around 215,000 people.
Throughout Europe, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency aids national authorities once an enforceable return decision is issued. Such a decision follows the exhaustion of legal options to stay within the EU. It is up to each country to determine whether a return is voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary returns involve compliance with the decision, whereas forced returns occur when individuals do not fulfill the obligation to leave. The agency’s support extends to both categories.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden reported the highest numbers of agency-assisted returns from January to 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. Additionally, 118 Return Escort and Support Officers worked in 11 member states, helping with travel arrangements, airport procedures, and flight logistics.
Most cases involve voluntary repatriation
In the first half of 2026, nearly 14,000 individuals registered for EU reintegration assistance, a significant increase from about 8,000 registrations during the same period in 2025. Over 80% of these participants returned voluntarily. Support for reintegration may encompass vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses upon individuals’ return to their countries of origin. Member states also have the option to include other eligible returnees in the program.
Return specialists assist national authorities in managing cases, clarifying available support options, and obtaining identity documents from countries of origin. Meanwhile, escort and support officers accompany some returnees and oversee administrative aspects related to departures. Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens emphasized that operations must adhere to legal standards while prioritizing safety and dignity. He highlighted voluntary return and reintegration support as integral to the agency’s current efforts. The agency notes that voluntary returns can ease staffing and logistical burdens associated with forced removals.
Legislative progress on EU return policies continues
The latest statistics follow European Union negotiators reaching a provisional agreement on uniform return procedures on June 1. The European Parliament endorsed its first reading position on June 17 with a vote of 418 in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. The framework targets third-country nationals lacking a legal right to stay in member states. It also outlines cooperation obligations and introduces a European Return Order to facilitate mutual recognition of return decisions across the bloc.
The approved text allows for the establishment of return hubs in non-EU countries under arrangements that respect international law and human rights standards. Unaccompanied minors are explicitly excluded from these arrangements. The document also features specific measures for individuals considered security threats and currently maintains voluntary recognition of return decisions. Figures from 2026 indicate that EU return activities are running at a higher volume than the previous year, with voluntary returns remaining the majority of cases supported by Frontex.