WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex has supported the return of more than 33,000 individuals from EU member states to non-EU countries during the first half of 2026, marking an increase from approximately 30,000 in the same period last year. Among these, around 21,000 returned voluntarily, compared to roughly 19,000 a year earlier. According to agency data released 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 an enforceable return decision is issued, which occurs after all legal options for remaining in the EU are exhausted. Authorities determine whether the return is voluntary or enforced, with voluntary cases involving compliance with the decision and forced returns occurring when individuals do not fulfill their obligation to leave. Frontex provides support for both categories.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden reported the highest numbers of agency-supported returns from January through June. The predominant nationalities among those returned 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, while an additional 118 Return Escort and Support Officers worked in 11 member states to facilitate travel arrangements, airport procedures, and flight logistics.
Most Returns Are Voluntary
In the first half of 2026, nearly 14,000 individuals registered for EU reintegration programs, a significant rise from approximately 8,000 in the same timeframe of 2025. The majority of those participating—more than four out of five—returned voluntarily. These reintegration initiatives may include vocational training, counseling, and grants for small enterprises in the returnees’ countries of origin. Member states may also extend these programs to other eligible returnees.
Frontex’s return specialists assist national authorities in handling cases, explaining available support options, and obtaining identity documents from home countries. Escort and support officers accompany certain returnees and manage administrative tasks related to departures. Hans Leijtens, Frontex’s Executive Director, emphasized that operations must adhere to legal standards and prioritize safety and dignity, while also noting that voluntary returns and reintegration efforts are central to the agency’s current work. The agency further states that voluntary returns can lessen staffing and logistical burdens associated with forced removals.
Legislative Progress on EU Return Policies Continues
The recent statistics follow the agreement reached by European Union negotiators on June 1, concerning a provisional framework for common return rules. The European Parliament approved this first-reading position on June 17 with 418 votes in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. This framework pertains to third-country nationals lacking a legal right to stay in member states, establishing cooperation obligations and creating a European Return Order to facilitate the recognition of return decisions across the EU bloc.
The negotiated text allows for return hubs in non-EU countries under arrangements that are compliant with international law and human rights standards, though unaccompanied minors are excluded from such arrangements. It also includes specific provisions for individuals considered security risks, while maintaining voluntary recognition of return decisions as a voluntary measure for now. The 2026 figures indicate a higher volume of EU return operations compared to the previous year, with voluntary returns remaining the majority of Frontex-supported cases.