WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex supported more than 33,000 returns from EU member states to non-EU countries in the first half of 2026. The number increased from approximately 30,000 during the same period last year. Around 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, compared to roughly 19,000 a year earlier. According to agency data released on Sept. 7, this latest total brings the supported return count since 2022 to about 215,000 people.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency assists national authorities following a person’s receipt of an enforceable return decision. Such decisions are issued after all legal options to remain in the EU have been exhausted. It is then up to national authorities to determine whether the return will be voluntary or enforced. Voluntary cases involve compliance with the decision, whereas forced returns occur when an individual fails to meet the obligation to leave. The agency plays a supporting role in both scenarios.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden reported the highest numbers of agency-supported returns from January through June. The predominant nationalities among 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. An additional 118 Return Escort and Support Officers operated across 11 member states to facilitate travel, airport procedures, and flight logistics.
Most Cases Involve Voluntary Departures
During the first half of 2026, nearly 14,000 individuals registered for EU reintegration assistance, a significant increase from about 8,000 during the same period in 2025. Over 80% of these participants had returned voluntarily. The reintegration support available includes vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses upon their return to their home countries. Member states may also enroll other eligible returnees into this program.
Return specialists support national authorities by managing cases, clarifying available support options, and obtaining identity documents from countries of origin. Escort and support officers accompany some returnees and handle administrative tasks related to departures. Hans Leijtens, Frontex’s Executive Director, emphasized that operations must adhere to legal standards while ensuring safety and dignity. He also underlined the importance of voluntary returns and reintegration support in the agency’s current activities. The agency maintains that voluntary returns can reduce staffing and logistical challenges associated with forced removals.
Legislative Process Continues for EU Return Regulations
European Union negotiators reached a provisional agreement on common return rules on June 1. The European Parliament approved its first reading position on June 17 by 418 votes to 218, with 30 abstentions. These rules apply to third-country nationals who do not have a legal right to stay in member states. They also establish cooperation obligations and introduce a European Return Order to facilitate recognition of return decisions across the bloc.
The approved framework permits return hubs in non-EU countries under arrangements that adhere to international law and human rights standards, though unaccompanied minors are excluded from such arrangements. The legislation also includes specific measures for individuals deemed security threats and maintains voluntary recognition of return decisions for the time being. The 2026 data demonstrate an increase in EU return operations compared to the previous year, with voluntary returns remaining the majority of Frontex-supported cases.