2011-07-04

'In de Keuken van het Compromis' is a fascinating view behind the scenes of the Council of Ministers. Here, the idea of European unity is not at all obvious. Also, when ministers are occupied with national matters, diplomats seem to have a substantial influence in shaping European decisions.

For the first time, a TV-reporter is allowed to make recordings of Belgian diplomats at work. Jonas D'Hollander enters a world where discretion and tact is key. During the 6 months of the Belgian presidency of the EU he witnesses an atmosphere of civilised but determined competition between the European member states. Following 3 diplomats struggling for a deal on a long-time blocked dossier he is able to capture the strategic considerations during the diplomatic preparations at the Belgian Embassy at the EU.

The result, 'In de Keuken van het Compromis' is a fascinating view behind the scenes of the Council of Ministers. Here, the idea of European unity is not at all obvious. Also, when ministers are occupied with national matters, diplomats seem to have a substantial influence in shaping European decisions.

Team members

Jonas D'Hollander

Jonas D'Hollander is a reporter who started his career at 'het nieuws' (Vtm). As a freelancer he has worked for Ter Zake (Vrt), continuing his first political documentary for the digital broadcaster 'Acht' (Concentra). For this project he received funding from 'Fonds Pascal Decroos' for investigative journalism.

Supported
A working grant of € 980 allocated on 09/03/2010.
ID
FPD/2010/780
Tags

Television
Dox: In De Keuken Van Het Compromis - Acht.tv

Monday 4 July 2011 - 21.15h
Tuesday 5 July 2011 - 09.55h & 14.00h
Sunday 10 July 2011 - 13.30h

The emergence of the European patent- TerZake - 17 december 2010 (Canvas, VRT) - vanaf 38:08

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