MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The German Chancellor called for unity and hospitality in response to the refugee crisis. "It goes without saying that we help them and comfort people who seek refuge with us," she said in a televised address, as quoted by local media.
Merkel recalled that Germany is capable of accepting refugees, and "can do it" as a strong country that has survived even more difficult challenges.
Europe is currently struggling to cope with a massive refugee influx, with hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants fleeing conflict-torn countries in the Middle East and North Africa in search of safety and refuge in Europe.
Many of them strive to get to wealthier EU states, such as Germany, for the sake of social benefits, free education and good quality services.
According to the budget review, the German government expects to spend 16.52 billion euros ($18.1 billion) on refugee-related programs in 2016.