European Union crisis talks on refugees

The other main parties remained unchanged with the Social Democrats (SPD), who share power with Merkel, at 26 percent and the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has made gains in recent weeks, at 7 percent. “It was said, but now it is important to put into deeds” Controversy exists about the so-called Dublin procedure, under which the EU Erstaufnahmestaat for the application of is responsible applicant.

Failed asylum seekers in Germany are voluntarily returning home, but only because the government is paying them.

Several European leaders are due to meet on Sunday to tackle the migrant crisis in the western Balkans as thousands trying to reach Germany are trapped in deteriorating conditions with the approach of winter.

The number of attacks against refugee shelters has more than doubled this year compared to 2014 in a reflection of the German people’s anxiety about settling so many migrants in its country.

It read: ‘We are importing Islamic extremism, Arab anti-Semitism, national and ethnic conflicts of other peoples as well as a different societal and legal understanding’.

Security sources also fear the integration of migrants “is no longer possible” because so many already live in insular communities.

A senior official warned: ‘Mainstream civil society is radicalising because the majority don’t want migration and they are being forced by the political elite’.

There have been increasing clashes and violence at borders as frustrated refugees wait, often in the rain, to be allowed through amid growing objections in a few countries.

Sweden is the EU’s other top destination for asylum seekers, and police there said a sword-wielding man who killed two people at a school in the southwestern town of Trollhattan was a “racially motivated” hate crime.

“That’s how those who really need our protection will get it”, Merkel said.

The heads of 11 European Union states and three non-EU countries agreed to provide another 100,000 spaces in refugee reception centres. Another 50,000 will be hosted along the Western Balkan route.

He said Germany and Europe needed to fundamentally change their immigration policy or “we won’t be able to do this”.

Over the past week, authorities say, about 4,000 to 5,000 per day have been crossing into the country from Austria.

Peter Altmaier, the minister in charge of the government’s asylum policy, said the move was a “signal” to migrants and would-be asylum seekers.

In her weekly podcast, Merkel said many of those arriving in Germany would have a tough time.