WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex facilitated more than 33,000 returns from EU countries to non-EU nations during the first half of 2026, marking an increase from approximately 30,000 in the same timeframe last year. The total includes around 21,000 voluntary departures, compared to roughly 19,000 a year earlier. According to agency data released on Sept. 7, the cumulative number of Frontex-supported returns since 2022 now stands at about 215,000 individuals.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency assists national authorities once an individual receives a legally enforceable return order. This order is issued after all legal options to stay within the EU have been exhausted. Authorities then determine if the return is voluntary or involuntary, with voluntary cases involving compliance, and forced returns occurring when individuals do not fulfill their obligation to leave. The agency supports both types of repatriation.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden recorded the highest number of agency-supported returns from January through June. The primary nationalities among returnees included individuals from Türkiye, Syria, Georgia, Colombia, India, Brazil, Albania, Morocco, Nigeria, and Iraq. During this period, Frontex assigned 109 Return Specialists across 15 member states, while another 118 Return Escort and Support Officers operated in 11 member states to facilitate travel, airport procedures, and flight arrangements.
Most cases involve voluntary departures
In the first half of 2026, nearly 14,000 individuals signed up for EU reintegration support—an increase from about 8,000 registrations during the same months in 2025. Over 80% of these returnees chose voluntary departure options. Reintegration assistance includes vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses once individuals return home. Member states are also authorized to include other eligible returnees in this program.
Return specialists support national authorities by managing cases, explaining available support options, and securing identity documents from countries of origin. Escort and support officers accompany some returnees and coordinate administrative tasks related to departures. Hans Leijtens, Frontex Executive Director, emphasized that operations must adhere to legal standards and uphold safety and dignity. He also stressed that voluntary return and reintegration support remain central to the agency’s current efforts, as voluntary methods can lessen staffing and logistical pressures typically linked to forced removals.
Legislative progress on EU return policies continues
The latest statistics follow the European Union reaching a provisional deal 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. This framework addresses third-country nationals without a legal right to stay in member states and establishes cooperation obligations, along with a European Return Order to facilitate recognition of return decisions throughout the bloc.
The agreed legislation allows for return hubs in non-EU countries under arrangements compliant with international law and human rights standards, explicitly excluding unaccompanied minors. It also includes specific measures for individuals deemed security risks and maintains voluntary mutual recognition of return decisions for now. The 2026 data indicates that EU return operations are at a higher volume than the previous year, with voluntary returns continuing to constitute the majority of cases supported by Frontex.