Germany has taken in more than 1 million refugees this year, it has been reported.
The crisis in the Middle East, especially in Syria, has led to a tide of refugees fleeing their countries and seeking safe haven in Europe.
According to The Times the influx has breached the one million barrier, representing more than a fourfold increase on last year.
While other European leaders have sought to place a cap on the numberthey are prepared to accept, Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, has refused to do so.
While Mrs Merkel received international plaudits for her response to the crisis, in the wake of chaotic scenes earlier this year in central Europe, it has cost her dear at home.
It has seen her traditionally high approval ratings fall, while a new anti immigrant party – Alternative for Germany – is now being backed by around 10 per cent of voters.
She is also facing a revolt from within her own Christian Democrat party.
In October leaked figures suggested that Germany could have to cope with an influx of 1.5 million refugees, nearly double the official estimate of 800,000
However Wolfgang Schäuble, Germany’s finance minister, said the country has put aside eight billion euros (£5.8 billion) to deal with the refugees.
But while Germany’s public finances are reported to remain sound, economic experts have warned the arrival of the refugees will place an additional burden on the country’s economy.
Elsewhere French prosecutors are seeking jail terms of up to eight years for people smugglers accused of ferrying scores of illegal migrants across the Channel.
A court in Rennes is considering the cases of 18 smugglers involved in trying to bring at least 127 Albanians into England.
They are alleged to have demanded up to 20,000 euros (£14,514) per family for passage into the UK.
Source:The Teligraph