Watch The Brussels Business

The Brussels Business is a 2012 documentary film that takes a close look at the inner workings of the European Union and the lobbyists who seek to influence its policies. It explores the complex and often opaque world of EU decision-making, shedding light on the role of big business and corporate lobbyists in shaping European legislation.

The film presents a compelling narrative that combines deeply researched investigation with a visually engaging style. It is structured as a series of interviews with lobbyists, activists, and EU officials, interspersed with footage of EU events and meetings. The interviews are conducted in a relaxed and conversational style, allowing the interviewees to share their perspectives and insights in an unguarded way.

At the center of the film is the question of who really runs the European Union. The film argues that while the EU is nominally a democratic institution, its policymaking is often driven by powerful corporate interests. These interests are represented by a sophisticated network of lobbyists who operate in Brussels, the capital of the European Union.

The film introduces us to a range of lobbyists and interest groups, including the European Round Table of Industrialists, BusinessEurope, and the European Services Forum. These groups represent some of the largest and most influential companies in Europe, and they are highly skilled at influencing EU decision-making. They employ a wide range of tactics, including lobbying individual lawmakers and officials, organizing corporate events and conferences, and funding academic research.

The lobbyists featured in the film are candid about their strategies and their motivations. Some argue that they are simply representing the interests of their clients, while others argue that they are promoting economic growth and job creation in Europe. However, the film also raises challenging questions about the impact of corporate lobbying on democratic decision-making. It asks whether the EU's focus on economic growth is undermining other important values, such as social justice and sustainability.

The film also presents an array of perspectives from civil society and activist groups. These groups often find themselves in conflict with corporate lobbyists and EU officials, as they seek to promote democratic participation and protect the rights of citizens and communities. They argue that the EU's focus on corporate interests is eroding public trust and weakening democratic institutions.

Throughout the film, we are introduced to a range of EU officials, including Catherine Ashton, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Leon Brittan, the former Vice President of the European Commission. They offer a nuanced perspective on EU policymaking, highlighting the challenges of balancing competing interests and values. They acknowledge the power of corporate lobbying, but also emphasize the importance of public awareness and accountability.

The Brussels Business is a thought-provoking and engaging film that offers a complex and nuanced perspective on EU decision-making. It highlights the importance of understanding the role of corporate lobbying in shaping European policy, while also raising important questions about the impact of this lobbying on democracy and public trust. Ultimately, the film argues that democratic participation, transparency, and accountability are essential to ensuring that the EU serves the interests of all citizens, not just powerful corporations.

In conclusion, the Brussels Business is a compelling and informative documentary that provides a detailed look into the workings of the European Union and the lobbying industry. It highlights the complexity of EU decision-making and its impact on diverse groups, while emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability and democratic participation in shaping policies that truly serve the public interest.

The Brussels Business is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.