WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex reported that over 33,000 returns from EU member states to non-EU countries were supported during the first half of 2026. This marks an increase from roughly 30,000 during the same period last year. Among those returning, approximately 21,000 opted for voluntary departure, up from about 19,000 the previous year. The cumulative total of Frontex-supported returns since 2022 now stands at around 215,000 individuals, as per agency data published on Sept. 7.
In 2026, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency provides assistance to national authorities following enforceable return decisions issued to individuals. These decisions are made after all legal options to stay within the EU have been exhausted. Authorities determine whether a return is voluntary or enforced. In voluntary cases, individuals comply with the decision, whereas enforced returns are carried out when individuals refuse to leave voluntarily. The agency plays a supporting role in both types of return processes.
Between January and June, Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden recorded the highest numbers of agency-assisted returns. The most common nationalities among 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, while 118 Return Escort and Support Officers provided assistance with travel arrangements, airport procedures, and flight logistics across 11 member states.
Voluntary returns constitute the majority of cases
In the first half of 2026, nearly 14,000 individuals registered for EU reintegration assistance, compared to around 8,000 during the same period in 2025. The majority of participants, over four out of five, returned voluntarily. Support for reintegration may include vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses once individuals return to their countries of origin. Member states also have the option to enroll other eligible returnees into the program.
Return specialists support national authorities in managing cases, clarifying available support options, and securing identity documents from countries of origin. Escort and support officers accompany some returnees and handle administrative duties related to departures. Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens emphasized that operations must adhere to legal standards and prioritize safety and dignity. He also noted the agency’s focus on voluntary return and reintegration initiatives. According to Frontex, promoting voluntary returns can help lower staffing and logistical burdens typically associated with forced removals.
EU return policies advancing through legislative negotiations
The latest statistics come shortly after European Union negotiators reached a provisional agreement on unified return regulations on June 1. The European Parliament ratified its first-reading stance on June 17 with a vote of 418 in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. These regulations target third-country nationals lacking a legal right to stay in EU member states, establishing cooperation obligations and creating a European Return Order to facilitate mutual recognition of return decisions across the bloc.
The agreed framework allows for the operation of return hubs in non-EU countries, provided such arrangements comply with international law and human rights standards. Unaccompanied minors are excluded from these hubs. Additionally, the legislation includes specific provisions for individuals considered security risks and maintains mutual recognition of return decisions as voluntary for the time being. The figures from 2026 indicate that EU return operations are occurring at a higher volume than the previous year, with voluntary returns continuing to comprise the majority of cases supported by Frontex.