WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex supported more than 33,000 returns from EU member states to non-EU countries during the first half of 2026. This amount represents an increase from approximately 30,000 in the same period last year. Around 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, up from roughly 19,000 in the previous year. According to agency data published on Sept. 7, the total supported returns since 2022 now reach about 215,000 people.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency assists national authorities once a person receives a binding return decision. This decision is issued after all legal options to stay in the EU are exhausted. National authorities determine whether a return is voluntary or enforced. Voluntary returns involve compliance with the decision, whereas forced returns occur when the individual fails to meet the obligation to leave. Frontex provides support for both types of return processes.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden recorded the highest numbers of agency-supported returns from January to June. The main nationalities among the returnees 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, assisting with travel arrangements, airport procedures, and flight logistics.
Most cases involve voluntary returns
Nearly 14,000 people registered for EU reintegration assistance during the first half of 2026, compared to about 8,000 registrations in the same timeframe of 2025. Over 80% of participants returned voluntarily. Reintegration aid can include vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses upon individuals’ return to their home countries. Member states can also enroll other eligible returnees in this program.
Return specialists assist national authorities with case management, explaining available support and securing identity documents from countries of origin. Escort and support officers accompany some returnees and handle administrative procedures around 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 return and reintegration support, noting that such approaches can lessen staffing and logistical challenges associated with forced removals.
Legislative progress on EU return regulations continues
The recent figures follow European Union negotiators reaching a provisional agreement on common return rules 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 new framework targets third-country nationals without a legal right to stay in member states, establishing cooperation obligations and creating a European Return Order to facilitate recognition of return decisions across the bloc.
The finalized text allows for return hubs in non-EU countries under arrangements aligned with international law and human rights standards. Unaccompanied minors are excluded from these arrangements. The regulation also details specific measures for individuals considered security threats and maintains the voluntary recognition of return decisions for the time being. The 2026 data demonstrate that EU return efforts have increased compared to the previous year, with voluntary returns still forming the majority of Frontex-supported cases.