WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex facilitated more than 33,000 repatriations from EU member states to non-EU nations during the first half of 2026. This number increased from approximately 30,000 during the same period in the previous year. Of those, around 21,000 individuals returned voluntarily, compared to roughly 19,000 the year before. According to agency data released on Sept. 7, this brings the total supported returns by Frontex since 2022 to about 215,000 people.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency assists national authorities after a person receives a definitive return decision. Such a decision is issued once all legal channels to stay in the EU are exhausted. It is then up to national authorities to determine whether the return is voluntary or enforced. Voluntary cases involve compliance with the decision, whereas forced returns are carried out when individuals fail to leave as required. Frontex supports both types of return processes.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden reported the highest numbers 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 deployed 109 Return Specialists across 15 member states, while an additional 118 Return Escort and Support Officers operated in 11 countries to facilitate travel, manage airport procedures, and coordinate flight logistics.
Most returns are voluntary
In the first six months of 2026, nearly 14,000 individuals registered for EU reintegration support, a significant rise from about 8,000 registrations during the same period in 2025. Over 80% of these participants returned voluntarily. Reintegration programs may include vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses once individuals return home. Member states can also enroll other eligible returnees into the program.
Return specialists assist national authorities with managing cases, explaining available support, and collecting identity documents from countries of origin. Escort and support officers accompany certain returnees and handle administrative procedures related to departures. Hans Leijtens, Frontex’s Executive Director, emphasized that operations must comply with legal standards while safeguarding safety and dignity. He highlighted the agency’s focus on voluntary returns and reintegration support, noting that these approaches can lessen the staffing and logistical challenges associated with forced removals.
Legislative progress on EU return regulations continues
These latest statistics follow European Union negotiators reaching a provisional agreement on common return procedures on June 1. The European Parliament approved its first-reading stance on June 17 with 418 votes in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. The new framework targets third-country nationals without a legal right to stay in member states, establishing cooperation obligations and creating a European Return Order to facilitate recognition of return decisions across the bloc.
The proposed legislation allows for return hubs outside the EU under arrangements respecting international law and human rights, though unaccompanied minors are excluded from such facilities. It also includes specific measures for individuals considered security threats and maintains mutual recognition of return decisions on a voluntary basis for now. The 2026 data indicates an increase in EU return operations compared to the previous year, with voluntary returns still accounting for the majority of Frontex-supported cases.