WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex assisted with over 33,000 repatriations from EU countries to non-EU nations during the first half of 2026, increasing from approximately 30,000 in the same period last year. Of these, about 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, compared to roughly 19,000 in the previous year. According to agency data released on Sept. 7, the total number of Frontex-supported returns since 2022 now stands at around 215,000 people.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency collaborates with national authorities after a person receives a formal return order, which is issued once all legal options to stay in the EU have been exhausted. It is up to national authorities to determine whether the return is voluntary or enforced; voluntary cases involve compliance with the decision, while enforced ones occur when individuals refuse to leave. The agency provides support in both scenarios.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden reported the highest counts of agency-supported returns between January and June. The main nationalities of 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 operated in 11 member states to facilitate travel, airport procedures, and flight arrangements.
Majority of returns are voluntary
In the first half of 2026, nearly 14,000 individuals registered for EU reintegration assistance, a notable increase from about 8,000 registrations during the same timeframe in 2025. Over 80% of these participants returned voluntarily. Support for reintegration can encompass vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses once individuals have returned home. Member states also have the option to include other eligible returnees in the program.
Return specialists assist authorities in managing cases, providing information on available support, and obtaining identification documents from home countries. Escort and support officers accompany some returnees, managing administrative tasks related to departures. Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens emphasized that operations must adhere to legal standards while safeguarding safety and dignity. He also highlighted that voluntary return and reintegration support are key components of the agency’s ongoing efforts, noting that voluntary returns can reduce staffing and logistical challenges associated with forced removals.
Legislative process advances EU return regulations
The latest statistics follow the European Union reaching a provisional consensus on unified return rules on June 1. On June 17, the European Parliament approved its first-reading position with 418 votes in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. The proposed framework targets third-country nationals lacking legal grounds to stay within member states, establishing cooperation obligations and creating a European Return Order to facilitate recognition of return decisions across the bloc.
The agreement allows for return hubs in non-EU countries under arrangements compliant with international law and human rights standards, excluding unaccompanied minors from these provisions. It also includes specific measures for individuals deemed security threats and maintains voluntary mutual recognition of return decisions for now. The 2026 data indicate a higher volume of EU return operations compared to the previous year, with voluntary returns still constituting the majority of Frontex-supported cases.