Germany's coalition government is to release billions of euros to help federal states and municipalities cope with record numbers of migrants.<br />Critics at home have accused Chancellor Angela Merkel of creating a dangerous precedent by opening Germany's borders.<br />About 18,000 migrants arrived over the weekend after an agreement with Austria and Hungary to relax asylum rules.<br />Germany's announcement of extra funds came after talks between the leaders of Chancellor Merkel's coalition.<br />In addition to the €3bn for the regions, they also agreed to speed up asylum application procedures, provide extra accommodation for newcomers, and allocate funds to pay benefits to new arrivals.<br />Germany expects to receive 800,000 refugees and migrants this year, and wants to see the rest of Europe do more to help.
