Berlin: Hungary`s hardline Prime Minister Viktor Orban welcomed Berlin`s decision Sunday to reinstate border controls as a "necessary" move to protect European values in the face of a record migrant influx.
"We have great understanding for Germany`s decision and we voice our full solidarity," he told Bild newspaper. "We understand that this decision was necessary in order to defend Germany`s and Europe`s values."
Orban said he was also convinced that "this is only the first step".
"We must also protect Europe`s borders in Greece as soon as possible -- with the cohesion of Europe, all of its member states and organisations," he added.
Hungary is working around the clock to finish a controversial fence along its border with Serbia aimed at keeping migrants out.
A raft of new laws would also take effect on Tuesday with anyone crossing the border illegally liable to be deported or even jails.