WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex supported more than 33,000 returns from EU member states to non-EU countries during the initial six months of 2026. This number reflects a rise from roughly 30,000 in the same period last year. Around 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, compared to approximately 19,000 a year earlier. The total supported returns since 2022 now stands at about 215,000, according to figures released by the agency on Sept. 7.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency assists national authorities following a person’s enforceable return decision. Such decisions are made after all legal avenues to stay in the EU are exhausted. It is up to national authorities to determine whether a return is voluntary or enforced. Voluntary cases involve compliance with the decision, whereas forced returns occur when a person refuses to leave as required. Frontex provides support for both types of returns.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden recorded the highest numbers of agency-supported returns between January and June. The primary nationalities among those returned were 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 operated in 11 member states to assist with travel arrangements, airport procedures, and flight logistics.
Most Returns Are Voluntary
During the first half of 2026, nearly 14,000 individuals registered for EU reintegration assistance. This compares with about 8,000 registrations in the same period of 2025. The majority of those helped—more than four out of five—returned voluntarily. The reintegration support offered can include vocational training, counseling, and grants to start small businesses once people are back in their home countries. Member states may also include other eligible returnees in the program.
Return specialists assist national authorities with case management, explaining available support options, and helping obtain identity documents from countries of origin. Escort and support officers accompany some 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. He also highlighted the agency’s focus on voluntary return and reintegration support. The agency states that voluntary returns can lessen staffing and logistical burdens typically associated with forced removals.
EU Return Policies Progress Through Legislative Negotiations
These 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 418 votes in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. The new framework targets third-country nationals without a legal right to stay within member states. It also establishes cooperation responsibilities and introduces 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 that respect international law and human rights. Unaccompanied minors are excluded from these arrangements. It also details specific measures for individuals considered security threats and maintains voluntary recognition of return decisions for the time being. The 2026 data indicates that EU return operations are operating at a higher volume than the previous year, with voluntary returns still constituting the majority of cases supported by Frontex.