WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex facilitated over 33,000 returns from EU countries to non-EU destinations during the first half of 2026. This number increased from roughly 30,000 in the same period last year. Approximately 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, compared to around 19,000 a year earlier. As per the agency’s data released on Sept. 7, the total supported returns since 2022 now reach about 215,000 people.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency assists national authorities following a person’s enforceable return decision, which is issued after all legal channels to remain in the EU are exhausted. Authorities determine whether the return is voluntary or involuntary; voluntary cases involve compliance with the decision, whereas forced returns occur when individuals do not leave as required. Frontex supports both procedures.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden reported the highest numbers of agency-supported returns between January and June. The leading nationalities among returnees included people from Türkiye, Syria, Georgia, Colombia, India, Brazil, Albania, Morocco, Nigeria, and Iraq. During this period, Frontex deployed 109 Return Specialists across 15 member states, along with 118 Return Escort and Support Officers working in 11 member states to assist with travel arrangements, airport procedures, and flight logistics.
Most cases involve voluntary returns
In the first half of 2026, nearly 14,000 individuals registered for EU reintegration support, a significant rise from about 8,000 during the same period in 2025. Over 80% of these individuals returned voluntarily. Reintegration programs can include vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses upon return to their home countries. Member states also have the option to include other eligible returnees in the program.
Return specialists play a crucial role in assisting national authorities with case management, explaining available support options, and obtaining identity documents from countries of origin. Escort and support officers accompany some returnees and handle the administrative tasks related to departures. Hans Leijtens, Frontex Executive Director, emphasized that operations must adhere to legal standards and prioritize safety and dignity. He also underlined the agency’s focus on voluntary return and reintegration support, noting that these approaches can help lessen staffing and logistical challenges associated with forced removals.
Legislative process advances EU return policy framework
European Union negotiators reached a provisional agreement on common return regulations on June 1. The European Parliament endorsed its first reading position on June 17 with a vote of 418 in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. The proposed framework targets third-country nationals lacking legal rights to stay in member states, outlining cooperation obligations and establishing a European Return Order to promote recognition of return decisions throughout the EU.
The finalized text allows for return hubs in non-EU nations that operate under arrangements compliant with international law and human rights standards, though unaccompanied minors are excluded from these provisions. It includes specific measures for individuals considered security threats and maintains voluntary mutual recognition of return decisions for the present. The 2026 data indicates an increase in EU return operations compared to last year, with voluntary returns continuing to dominate Frontex-supported cases.