In Germany, lawmakers have approved a package of security measures aimed at preventing extremist attacks and in this regard the lawmakers also partially banned the full-face burqa, the Islamic veil. <br/><br/>The new laws follow several jihadist attacks, including a truck rampage through a Berlin Christmas market that claimed 12 lives, and come ahead of September elections. The new law on facial coverings falls short of a total ban in public places demanded by right-wing parties, like that in effect in neighbouring France since 2011. The prohibition will apply to public servants — including election officials, military and judicial staff — performing their duties.<br/><br/>Under another new measure, Germany will implement EU rules on the exchange of flight passenger data to counter terrorism and serious crime. And physical attacks on police, emergency services and military personnel on duty will in future be punished more severely, with up to five years' jail. The reforms follow the December 19th truck attack in Berlin claimed by the Islamic State group.