WARSAW, POLAND / RankWire.AI / – Frontex supported the return of more than 33,000 individuals from European Union member states to non-EU countries in the first half of 2026. This figure surpasses the approximately 30,000 returns documented during the same period in 2025. Around 21,000 people returned voluntarily, increasing from about 19,000 in the previous year. Since 2022, Frontex-supported returns have reached roughly 215,000 people.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency provides operational assistance to national governments after authorities issue enforceable return orders. These orders are made after individuals involved have exhausted all legal avenues to stay within the EU. It is the responsibility of national authorities to determine whether departures are voluntary or enforced. Frontex’s role is to support eligible cases through operational means, which may include case management, travel arrangements, document support, and aid during departures from participating member states.
Germany, France, Cyprus, Belgium, and Sweden recorded the highest numbers of Frontex-assisted returns from January to June. Citizens from Türkiye, Syria, Georgia, Colombia, India, Brazil, Albania, Morocco, Nigeria, and Iraq were the most common nationalities among returnees. During this six-month period, Frontex designated 109 Return Specialists across 15 member states. Additionally, 118 Return Escort and Support Officers were deployed in 11 countries to aid national authorities in managing departure procedures and logistics.
Voluntary departures continue to constitute the majority
EU reintegration support also saw a significant rise during this period, with nearly 14,000 individuals registered for assistance, compared to around 8,000 in the first half of 2025. Over 80% of these individuals returned voluntarily. The available support includes vocational training, counseling, and grants for small businesses. Member states can also register eligible returnees for assistance even if Frontex did not directly support their repatriation process.
Return Specialists collaborate with national agencies on individual cases, helping to explain available return and reintegration services. They also assist in obtaining identity and travel documents from countries of origin. Return Escort and Support Officers accompany some departures and handle practical tasks at airports and onboard flights. These deployments are part of Frontex’s broader return operations across the EU. The agency’s data distinguish between operational return support and broader reintegration registrations.
Progress in the EU return framework during 2026
The latest figures coincide with ongoing EU efforts to establish a unified legal structure for returns. On June 1, EU negotiators reached a provisional agreement on new rules. The European Parliament approved its first reading on June 17 with a vote of 418 in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. The framework targets third-country nationals without legal residency rights and introduces a European Return Order to facilitate the recognition of return decisions among member states.
The new framework also permits the operation of return hubs in non-EU countries under arrangements that adhere to international law and human rights standards. According to the text, unaccompanied minors cannot be transferred to such hubs. The rules contain separate provisions for individuals considered security threats. While mutual recognition of return decisions remains voluntary at this stage, Frontex recorded increased supported returns in early 2026, with voluntary departures still representing the majority of cases.