Germany frees up funds for refugees, speeds up asylum procedures
Updated: 2015-09-07 10:26
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||
BERLIN - The German government decided to free up additional three billion euros ($3.35 billion) for federal states and municipalities to help cope with this year's record influx of refugees and migrants, a joint statement by the ruling coalition issued on Monday said.
|
Migrants board a train after crossing the Macedonian-Greek border near Gevgelija, Macedonia, September 6, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
At a high-level meeting that lasted more than five hours, leaders from Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition also agreed on a series of other measures, such as speeding up asylum procedures and facilitating the construction of asylum shelters.
In addition to the three billion euros for states and municipalities, the government is planning to free up an additional three billion euros to fund its own expenses, such as paying benefits for asylum seekers, the joint statement said.
The agreement included widening the list of countries deemed "safe", meaning their citizens generally have no claim to asylum, to include Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro. Among those already in that category are Serbia, Macedonia and Bosnia.
The aim is to speed up asylum and extradition procedures for migrants from southeastern Europe, in order to focus on refugees from war-torn countries such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.
The coalition meeting came at the end of a weekend that saw 18,000 refugees entering the country after Germany and Austria had agreed with Hungary to waive rules requiring refugees to register an asylum claim in the first EU country they reach.
Merkel's decision to allow thousands of refugees stranded in Hungary to find a new home in Germany has caused a rift within her conservative bloc with her Bavarian allies accusing her of sending a "totally wrong signal".
Germany expects a record influx of 800,000 migrants and refugees this year, by far the most in the European Union. In August alone, more than 100,000 asylum seekers were registered in Europe's largest economy.
- Aerial view of Yamzho Yumco Lake in Tibet
- Chinese 'blade runners' fight for sports dreams
- The world in photos: Aug 31 - Sept 6
- Breath of fresh air for a 'living fossil'
- Learn to behave like a real noble
- 50th anniversary of Tibet autonomous region
- Red carpet looks at the 72nd Venice Film Festival
- China beats Russia in 4 sets at volleyball World Cup
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
8 highlights about V-day Parade |
Glimpses of Tibet: Plateaus, people and faith |
Chinese entrepreneurs remain optimistic despite economic downfall |
50th anniversary of Tibet autonomous region |
Tianjin explosions: Deaths, destruction and bravery |
Cinemas enjoy strong first half |
Today's Top News
Xi's visit a chance for Obama to make history
China celebrates 50th anniversary of Tibet's autonomy
China vows deepened war against Tibet separatists
Sarah Palin: Immigrants should 'speak American'
Germany frees up funds for refugees, speeds up asylum procedures
China 2014 GDP growth revised down to 7.3%
White paper on Tibet reaffirms living Buddha policy
China to introduce circuit-breaker for stock market
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |