After the big crash that killed a spectator last year, temporary speed limits were set and enforced on parts of the circuit while officials worked to develop on a long term plan. This looks like a very reasonable alternative to localized speed limits, re-profiling the high spots, restricting the types of cars allowed on the track, etc. New safety measures at Nordschleife trouble spots (motorsport.com)
Yeah, I think they're trying to avoid using words like flattening or reprofiling because of the outcry when they were first suggested as possible solutions, but I'd bet the same.
I wonder what "smoothing" means. Seems like it should be obvious, unless you're suspicious (like me) that they're going to do a bit of reprofiling and don't want to admit it. Nurburgring safety upgrades confirmed (pistonheads.com)