WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex facilitated more than 33,000 returns from EU member states to non-EU nations during the first half of 2026. This represents an increase from roughly 30,000 in the same period last year. Of these, around 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, compared to about 19,000 in 2025. According to agency data released on Sept. 7, the cumulative number of Frontex-supported returns since 2022 now totals approximately 215,000 people.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency assists national authorities after an individual receives a legally enforceable return order. Such a decision is made once all legal options to stay in the EU are exhausted. Authorities determine whether the return is voluntary or enforced. Voluntary cases involve compliance, while forced removals occur when individuals refuse to leave. Frontex’s support extends to both scenarios.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden recorded the highest numbers of agency-supported returns from January to June. The main nationalities among those returning 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 countries, assisting with travel arrangements, airport procedures, and flight logistics.
Majority of returns are voluntary
In the first half of 2026, nearly 14,000 individuals registered for EU reintegration assistance, a significant increase from approximately 8,000 during the same period in 2025. Over 80% of these participants returned voluntarily. Reintegration support includes vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses once individuals go back to their home countries. Member states can also enroll other eligible returnees into this program.
Return specialists assist authorities in managing cases, clarifying available support options, and securing identity documents from origin countries. Some returnees are accompanied by escort and support officers who manage administrative tasks related to departures. Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens emphasized that operations must comply with legal standards and ensure safety and dignity. He also pointed out the importance of voluntary return and reintegration efforts, noting that these can lessen staffing and logistical burdens associated with forced removals.
EU legislation on returns advances through legislative procedures
European Union negotiators reached a provisional consensus 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 framework applies to third-country nationals lacking a legal right to stay within EU member states. It also establishes cooperation obligations and introduces a European Return Order to facilitate recognition of return decisions across the bloc.
The agreed framework permits return hubs in non-EU countries, provided arrangements respect international law and human rights standards. Unaccompanied minors are excluded from these provisions. It includes specific measures for individuals deemed security risks and maintains voluntary recognition of return decisions for the time being. The 2026 data indicate a rise in EU return activities compared to the previous year, with voluntary returns continuing to be the majority of Frontex-supported cases.