WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex facilitated more than 33,000 returns from EU member states to non-EU countries during the initial six months of 2026. This number increased from roughly 30,000 in the same timeframe last year. Approximately 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, compared to about 19,000 in the previous year. The cumulative total of Frontex-supported returns since 2022 now stands at roughly 215,000 people, according to the agency’s data published on September 7.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency provides support to national authorities after an individual receives a legally enforceable return order. This order is issued once all legal options to remain within the EU are exhausted. It is then up to the national authorities to determine if the return will be voluntary or forced. Voluntary returns are those in which individuals comply with the decision, whereas forced returns occur when individuals do not fulfill their obligation to leave. The agency assists with both types of repatriation.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden recorded the highest numbers of agency-supported returns from January to June. The main nationalities among the 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. Additionally, 118 Return Escort and Support Officers worked in 11 member states to facilitate travel, airport procedures, and flight logistics.
Most cases involve voluntary repatriation
In the first half of 2026, nearly 14,000 people registered for reintegration assistance through the EU, a significant increase from approximately 8,000 during the same period in 2025. Over 80% of these participants returned voluntarily. Support for reintegration may include vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses once individuals return to their home countries. Member states can also enroll other eligible returnees into this program.
Return specialists assist national authorities in managing cases, explaining available support, and obtaining identity documents from home countries. Escort and support officers accompany some returnees and handle logistical and administrative tasks related to departures. Hans Leijtens, Frontex’s Executive Director, emphasized that operations must adhere to legal standards while safeguarding safety and dignity. He also underscored the agency’s focus on voluntary returns and reintegration support. The agency notes that voluntary returns can lessen staffing and logistical burdens associated with forced removals.
Legislative process advances on new EU return regulations
The latest statistics come shortly after European Union negotiators reached a provisional agreement on shared return rules on June 1. The European Parliament gave its approval to the first-reading position on June 17 with 418 votes in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. The framework applies to third-country nationals who lack a legal right to stay in EU member states. It also establishes cooperation obligations and introduces a European Return Order to promote 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 standards. Unaccompanied minors are excluded from these arrangements. The legislation also includes specific measures for individuals considered security threats, while mutual recognition of return decisions remains voluntary for now. The 2026 data indicate that EU return operations are higher than the previous year, with voluntary returns still comprising the majority of cases supported by Frontex.