WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex aided more than 33,000 repatriations from EU countries to non-EU nations during the initial six months of 2026. This number increased from roughly 30,000 in the same period last year. Of those, around 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, compared to about 19,000 a year earlier. According to agency data released on Sept. 7, the total of Frontex-supported returns since 2022 now stands at approximately 215,000 people.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency assists national authorities after a person receives an enforceable return order. Such a decision is made once all legal avenues to stay in the EU have been exhausted. It is then up to national authorities to determine if the return is voluntary or enforced. Compliance by the individual signifies a voluntary return, while a lack of cooperation leads to forced removals. Frontex provides support for both types of return operations.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden reported the highest numbers of agency-supported returns from January through June. The main 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. Additionally, 118 Return Escort and Support Officers worked in 11 member states to facilitate travel, airport procedures, and flight arrangements.
Most cases involve voluntary returns
In the first half of 2026, nearly 14,000 people registered for EU reintegration support, compared to around 8,000 registrations during the same period in 2025. Over 80% of these individuals returned voluntarily. Reintegration assistance can include vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses once individuals return home. Member states may also enroll additional eligible returnees in this program.
Return specialists assist national authorities by managing cases, explaining available support options, and helping obtain identity documents from the countries of origin. Support officers also accompany some returnees and oversee administrative procedures related to departures. Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens emphasized that operations must adhere to legal standards while ensuring safety and dignity. He highlighted voluntary return and reintegration as key aspects of the agency’s current efforts. The agency states that voluntary returns can lessen staffing and logistical pressures associated with forced removals.
Legislative process progresses for EU return regulations
These latest statistics follow the European Union reaching a provisional agreement on common return rules on June 1. The European Parliament approved its first-reading position on June 17 with a vote of 418 in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. The framework applies to third-country nationals lacking a legal right to stay within member states. It also establishes cooperation obligations and introduces a European Return Order to facilitate recognition of return decisions throughout the EU.
The approved text allows for the establishment of return hubs in non-EU countries under arrangements that comply with international law and human rights standards. Unaccompanied minors are excluded from these arrangements. The legislation also includes specific measures for individuals considered security threats and maintains voluntary recognition of return decisions for now. The 2026 figures show that EU return operations have increased in volume compared to the previous year, with voluntary returns remaining the majority of Frontex-supported cases.