Refugee accomodation in Berlin (Photo: DW/DPA)

Migrants to Germany will be categorized to enjoy different rights. People from safe countries of origin will be sent to special centers where their applications will be quickly processed. During their stay in Germany, they will not be allowed to choose accommodation for themselves. People whose individual right to asylum or refugee status cannot be recognized according to the Geneva Convention, but cannot be deported as they are threatened with torture or execution, will be given one-year asylum, which may be extended each year. This group of people will only be entitled to a family reunion two years after arriving in Germany. The new legislation will free them from worries about their residency and job in at least 2 years after they complete vocational training. Refugees will pay 10 euros per month for language and integration courses which are largely subsidized by the government.

At a meeting in Brussels the same day, EU Interior Ministers agreed to tighten external border checks on entries to the EU. European people leaving or returning by air will also be checked. These measures were proposed by France and Belgium to prevent fighters from returning to Europe from Syria.

Greece summoned its ambassador in Vienna for consultations in connection with the Austrian conference on West Balkan refugees to which Athens was not invited, though it is strongly affected by the crisis. A note of protest delivered by the Greek Foreign Ministry said the decision was aimed at preserving friendly relations between the people of Greece and Austria.