European authorities are advised on a potential directive aimed at harmonizing laws across member states concerning worker safety from carcinogen exposure risks.

In the heart of Germany, the city of Dortmund is gearing up for a significant change in its cultural landscape. The upcoming election of the Lord Mayor is creating a sense of anticipation, as all five candidates seem to share a common vision for the city's cultural development.

One of the most anticipated projects is the construction of the Schauspielhaus. The feasibility studies and financial framework for this project are still under consideration, but there is a clear consensus among the SPD, Green, and Linke+ factions in the city council, who decided on May 22, 2025, to build the Schauspielhaus. Alexander Kalouti, the current press spokesman for opera and ballet at the Theater Dortmund and a candidate in the election, has stated that he would support the construction of the Schauspielhaus as mayor, provided the financing is secured.

Accessibility and diversity are key concerns for the candidates. Fatma Karacakurtoglu (Die Linke) wants to promote more diversity and small productions in culture, while Karacakurtoglu believes that cultural institutions should be as accessible as possible. Kalouti and Cremer agree that entrance fees should not be barriers, but "realistic."

Katrin Lögering (Bündnis90/Die Grünen) focuses on the free cultural scene and Dortmund's nightlife. She suggests using vacant city center spaces to promote a "real pop-up culture." The nightlife in Dortmund needs promotion, as a club fund failed due to lack of majorities in the current legislative period.

Incumbent Mayor Thomas Westphal (SPD) emphasizes the importance of a culture for everyone that can measure up to the "world's best." He agrees in principle to promoting pop-up culture in municipal buildings, but private buildings need to be convinced. Westphal is particularly concerned with promoting excellence as a significant location factor.

All candidates agree that culture is both a social and an economic factor. Alexander Kalouti believes that having a full house is extremely important, a measure of success. Martin Cremer (independent) considers culture an important "building block of society."

The city of Dortmund supports the cultural scene with 130 million euros, with the concert hall receiving additional funding. The election of the Lord Mayor may bring more confidence to the Dortmund cultural scene, as radical cuts are not expected with any of the candidates.

As the election approaches, the city of Dortmund looks towards a promising future, with a shared vision for its cultural development and a commitment to accessibility, diversity, and excellence.

European authorities are advised on a potential directive aimed at harmonizing laws across member states concerning worker safety from carcinogen exposure risks.