WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex supported more than 33,000 returns from EU member states to non-EU countries during the first six months of 2026. This number increased from approximately 30,000 in the same period last year. Around 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, compared to roughly 19,000 in the previous year. According to agency data released on Sept. 7, the total supported returns since 2022 now amount to about 215,000 people.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency assists national authorities after a person receives an enforceable return decision. Such a decision is made once all legal options to stay in the EU are exhausted. National authorities determine whether a return is voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary returns involve compliance with the decision, whereas forced returns occur when individuals do not meet the obligation to depart. The agency provides support for both types of returns.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden reported the highest numbers of agency-supported returns between January and June. The main nationalities among those returned 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. Additionally, 118 Return Escort and Support Officers worked across 11 member states to facilitate travel arrangements, airport procedures, and flight logistics.
Most cases involve voluntary repatriations
Nearly 14,000 individuals registered for EU reintegration assistance during the first half of 2026, which is an increase from about 8,000 registrations during the same period in 2025. Over 80% of these participants returned voluntarily. Reintegration support can include vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses upon return to their home countries. Member states may also enroll other eligible returnees in this program.
Return specialists assist national authorities by managing cases, explaining available support options, and helping obtain 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 and prioritize safety and dignity. He also highlighted the agency’s focus on voluntary return and reintegration support, noting that these approaches can reduce staffing and logistical challenges associated with forced removals.
Legislative process advances EU return regulations
The recent figures 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 a vote of 418 in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. The framework covers third-country nationals without a legal right to stay in member states, establishing cooperation duties and creating a European Return Order to facilitate recognition of return decisions across the bloc.
The approved text allows for return hubs in non-EU countries under arrangements that respect international law and human rights standards. It explicitly excludes unaccompanied minors from such arrangements. The legislation also includes specific measures for individuals deemed security threats and maintains voluntary recognition of return decisions for now. The 2026 data indicates that EU return operations are at higher levels than last year, with voluntary returns continuing to make up the majority of Frontex-supported cases.