WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex facilitated more than 33,000 returns from EU member states to non-EU countries in the initial six months of 2026. This number increased from approximately 30,000 in the same timeframe last year. Around 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, compared to about 19,000 in the previous year. According to agency data released on Sept. 7, this brings the total supported returns since 2022 to roughly 215,000 people.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency assists national authorities after an individual is issued an enforceable return order. Such orders are issued once all legal options for staying in the EU have been exhausted. Decisions regarding whether a return is voluntary or involuntary are made by national authorities. Voluntary returns involve compliance with the order, while forced returns occur when individuals do not fulfill their obligation to leave. Frontex provides support for both types of return.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden recorded the highest numbers of agency-supported returns from January to June. The predominant nationalities among those returning 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, with an additional 118 Return Escort and Support Officers operating in 11 countries to aid 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 support, a rise from roughly 8,000 in the same period of 2025. The majority—over 80%—of those who returned did so voluntarily. Reintegration programs may include vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses upon their return to home countries. Member states can also extend these programs to other eligible returnees.
Return specialists assist national authorities in managing cases, providing information about available support, and obtaining identity documents from countries of origin. Escort and support officers accompany some returnees and manage administrative procedures related to departures. Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens emphasized that operations must adhere to legal standards while safeguarding safety and dignity. He highlighted that voluntary return and reintegration initiatives are integral parts of the agency’s current efforts, noting that voluntary returns can lessen staffing and logistical challenges associated with forced removals.
Legislative Progress on EU Return Policies Continues
The recent statistics follow the European Union reaching 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. The proposed framework applies to third-country nationals lacking a legal right to remain within member states. It also establishes cooperation obligations and introduces a European Return Order to facilitate recognition of return decisions throughout the EU.
The finalized text allows for the creation of return hubs in non-EU countries under arrangements consistent with international law and human rights standards. Unaccompanied minors are excluded from these arrangements. Additionally, it includes specific measures for individuals considered security threats and maintains the voluntary recognition of return decisions for the time being. The 2026 data indicate an increase in EU return operations compared to the previous year, with voluntary returns remaining the majority of Frontex-supported cases.