Key facts
- Frontex suspended new applications for its reintegration support program on October 2.
- The agency's budget for the year ran out earlier than anticipated.
- The program offers financial assistance, healthcare, vocational training, and counseling to returned migrants.
- Cases in September were 63% higher than Frontex's target.
- In the first half of 2026, Frontex took on around 75% more cases than in the same period last year.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has suspended its reintegration support program for deported migrants due to exceeding its budget for the year. The pause on new applications began on October 2, as the agency estimated costs had reached a level that no longer ensured full financial coverage. This suspension comes at a critical time as the EU aims to increase deportations and potentially expand Frontex's role in returns and reintegration. The program, running since 2022, provides financial aid, healthcare, vocational training, and counseling to individuals returned to their home countries. Frontex has requested additional funds from the European Commission but is awaiting clarity on future EU budgets. The agency's spokesperson emphasized that ambition in return policies must be matched by adequate funding. Cases have significantly exceeded projections, with September seeing a 63% increase over the target and the first half of 2026 showing a 75% rise compared to the previous year. In prior years, Frontex managed to allocate additional funds from other budget areas, but current Multiannual Financial Framework allocations did not anticipate the current scale of funding needs for the reintegration program.