European lawmakers have endorsed a proposal by the Commission to enact a directive that safeguards workers from potential carcinogen-induced hazards.

In the heart of Marzahn-Hellersdorf, over 2000 attendees gathered for the 17th annual "Schoener leben ohne Nazis" (A Beautiful Life Without Nazis) festival, a vibrant event featuring a colourful programme and various political initiatives.

The festival, organised by Roter Baum e.V., aimed to reclaim the space for society. Martin Kleinfelder, the coordinator of the organisational circle, recalled when the district was once labelled a "no-go area" in the media.

The event was filled with lively discussions about the exclusion of neo-Nazis, and the organisers and artists made it clear that such individuals were not welcome. However, five young neo-Nazis were spotted near the festival, giving the Hitler salute and taking photos of participants.

Despite their presence, a security firm was deployed to protect participants, and a police officer stated that the house right did not apply at a festival, and they should tolerate the neo-Nazis. This stance was met with controversy, as the neo-Nazi party NPD had entered the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district assembly (BVV) with 6.4 percent in a local election earlier this year.

Amidst the controversy, the festival continued to thrive. Yung Pepp, a 16-year-old artist, performed, singing about dreams, friendships, and a preference for a colourful world over a brown one. Children played at the Mobile Youth Center, and many Hellersdorf families stopped by after their weekly shopping at the Markplatz-Center.

Employees from "Berlin gegen Nazis" distributed seat cushions, buttons, and information brochures, while volunteers were recruited for the civil society network "Hüрdenlauf gegen Nazis." A total of 76 stands were present at the festival.

The Roter Baum association, active in Berlin since 2001, operates several youth centers, youth political events, neighbourhood work, and enables international encounters. The association's work was evident in the festival's success, providing a safe and inclusive space for the community to come together and celebrate a beautiful life without Nazis.

However, the festival's history was not without tragedy. In 2007, a 67-year-old man was fatally attacked at an NPD stand on Stendaler Street by the operators. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of standing against hatred and intolerance.

Despite the challenges, the "Schoener leben ohne Nazis" festival continues to be a beacon of hope and resistance in Marzahn-Hellersdorf, demonstrating the power of community and the desire for a better, more inclusive world.