Who runs the European Union? This is a journey into the corridors of power of the biggest economy on earth – the European Union. It unveils the secretive networks made of lobby groups, consultancies, think tanks and law firms teaming up with the EU’s political elite to steer the daily life of 500 million Europeans.

In the form of a docu-thriller, The Brussels Business unfolds the unofficial version of the European Integration. It is an investigation that reveals how a handful of big European corporations managed to implement their view of the world not only in the European Constitution, but also in our work-places, schools and even nurseries. It is the story of neo-liberal take-over on the European level. However this film is also the inspiring story of a single citizen who managed to challenge and change the invisible power grid in Europe’s Capital - by simply insisting on the right of the public to know who is influencing the laws that rule our daily life.

Our film is accompanied by an online cross-media project. The e-producer is Jamie Balliu (UK).

The crossmedia project: Did you ever think to become one of the most powerful actors in the EU quarter? Here is your chance. Navigate and explore in full 360 degrees the hidden part of supra-national democracy by meeting key protagonists and playing the role of a lobbyist. Or are you just interested in investigating what has been going on behind closed doors regarding food, water, energy, chemicals, transport and the financial sector? Seize the opportunity! Play a game-like experience, explore archival material, discover confidential documents, engage with other citizens and place pressure on elected politicians who now become easily accessible. Explore the 'Brussels Power Grid', the invisible networks of power linking lobby groups, consultancies, think tanks, law firms and PR conglomerates to the EU institutions.

Authors:           
Matthieu Lietaert (Belgium)
Friedrich Moser (Italy)

Produced by:
UP CREATIVES (Jamie Ballieu - UK)

Prize:
Best Pitch at The Bips (Best International Project Showcase) in the Crossmedia section at Sunny Side of the Doc 2010