Migrant crisis: Germany to start temporary border controls

More than 13,000 migrants arrived into Munich on Saturday alone

Germany is to introduce temporary controls on its border with Austria to cope with the influx of migrants, the interior minister has said.

Thomas de Maiziere said refugees could “not choose” their host countries and called on other EU states to do more.

Trains between Germany and Austria have been suspended for 12 hours.

Germany’s vice-chancellor has said the country is “at the limit of its capabilities” as more than 13,000 migrants arrived in Munich on Saturday.

Germany expects 800,000 migrants to arrive this year.

Some migrants spent the night in Munich station

“Germany is temporarily introducing border controls again along [the EU’s] internal borders. The focus will be on the border to Austria at first,” Mr de Maiziere told a news conference.

“The aim of these measures is to limit the current inflows to Germany and to return to orderly procedures when people enter the country.”

Mr de Maiziere gave no details. The move goes against the principle of the Schengen zone, which allows free movement between many European countries, however the agreement does allow for temporary suspensions.

Germany’s rail service Deutsche Bahn said train services with Austria would be stopped until 03:00GMT on Monday.

The BBC’s Bethany Bell in Vienna says the Austrian government is currently meeting to discuss how to handle the situation.

BBC