WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex has facilitated more than 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 these, around 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, up from roughly 19,000 a year earlier. According to agency data released on Sept. 7, the total supported returns by Frontex since 2022 now reach about 215,000 people.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency assists national authorities after a person receives a legally enforceable return decision, which is issued once all legal options to stay in the EU are exhausted. It is the responsibility of national authorities to determine whether a return is voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary returns involve compliance with the decision, whereas forced returns occur when individuals do not leave as required. 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 primary nationalities among returnees were from Türkiye, Syria, Georgia, Colombia, India, Brazil, Albania, Morocco, Nigeria, and Iraq. Frontex deployed 109 Return Specialists across 15 member states during this period, alongside 118 Return Escort and Support Officers operating 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 individuals registered for EU reintegration assistance, compared to about 8,000 registrations in the same period of 2025. Over 80% of these participants returned voluntarily. Reintegration support services may include vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses in their home countries. Member states are also able to enroll other eligible returnees in this program.
Return specialists support national authorities by managing cases, explaining available support options, and obtaining identity documents from countries of origin. Escort and support officers accompany some returnees and handle administrative procedures associated with departures. Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens emphasized that operations must adhere to legal standards and prioritize safety and dignity. He also underscored the agency’s focus on voluntary returns and reintegration efforts. The agency notes that encouraging voluntary returns can lessen the staffing and logistical pressures associated with forced removals.
Legislative process advances EU return regulations
These recent figures follow a provisional agreement reached by European Union negotiators on June 1 concerning common return rules. The European Parliament approved its first-reading stance on June 17 by a vote of 418 to 218, with 30 abstentions. The framework applies to third-country nationals without a legal right to remain in member states, establishing cooperation obligations and creating a European Return Order to facilitate recognition of return decisions across the EU.
The agreed-upon legislation allows for return hubs outside the EU in compliance with international law and human rights standards, although unaccompanied minors are excluded from these arrangements. It also includes specific measures for individuals considered security threats and maintains mutual recognition of return decisions on a voluntary basis for the time being. The 2026 data demonstrates a higher volume of EU return operations compared to the previous year, with voluntary returns remaining the majority among Frontex-supported cases.