The German Association of Cities and Towns (DStGB) said it does not see any need for concrete provisions from the European Union to improve the protection of public space in Germany, in a statement published on its website on Tuesday.

"The cities and municipalities have already developed numerous measures to improve the security situation, due to the attacks last year as well as changes in the sense of security of the population," said the Managing Director of the DStGB, Dr. Gerd Landsberg, in the statement.

German media Die Welt reported Tuesday that the European Commission is proposing an "action plan for the improvement of public spaces" to be implemented in the next 16 months, believing that European cities and municipalities are not adequately protected against terrorist attacks.

One of the most important measures are "innovative and discreet barriers to protect cities without changing their open character", according to Die Welt.

However, the DStGB stated, safety concepts must be implemented moderately. "Cities and communities do not want to be made a fortress."

Moreover, German security authorities are cooperating intensively with municipal fire brigades, rescue forces, transport companies, among other organizations, the DStGB said, adding access of roads in the city centers and pedestrian zones are secured in such a way that one can not easily drive in with a truck. Video surveillance and policing in public areas has been expanded.

According to the DStGB, the European Union should confine itself to its original competencies and to improve relevant international exchanges, rather than issuing guidelines for cities and municipalities.

In addition, the DStGB also held that the discussion should not be limited to protective measures. Rather, prevention should be strengthened so that people do not become radicalized.

With 17 member association, the DStGB, a non-government association, represents the interests of German cities and municipalities at state, federal and EU level.