Tom Staal Investigates The ''sewers'' of Brussels

In last week's episode we saw how good an average life of a MEP was. Today we are heading to Brussels on a Monday when everyone starts his tranquil day. Hi Daniel, we have arrived. -Yeah, finally. In Brussels. - Yes, indeed. Are you excited? -No. Where are we heading first, Daniel? -Let's look at the room over there. You can see that there is barely anyone here. There are approximately 6 to 7 people here in a room where 40 members fit in. -But I see quite some people. Yes, however these are officials, employees... Y-you have 7 MEP here. -Yes. In a room where 40 people fit in is the reason why they do not want us to film here. You just cannot film here. They only have a meeting there. We do not bother anyone. Apparently they are frightened. In this room they have a meeting on the AZP countries and the African countries. To summarize this: How much money are we willing to invest in these poor countries. They believe their work is negative and rather not show it (to the outside world). Furthermore, as a MEP you have a mythical rank. Here you can see that we have a coffeebar here and you can join in and they will serve you. And of course as a MEP you cannot wait in line, therefore they have a... This is another evidence that will bring ''shame upon us'' and they rather not show it to you. We are heading now to the ''blue carpet.'' Only MEP are allowed to pass here. The reason for this is that MEP are too lazy to open the gates. MEP's have to hold an exposition twice a year. -Right. They cost approx. 20.000 euro per piece. As you can see they are preparing it. I think they starting the event tomorrow. This is a section of the event. So, a MEP can basically *** up for free everyday? -Yes Everyone deserves a drink and a snack. Or else no one will show up. Look of there, there is another exposition. On the other side another one. It is quite embarrasing. You can eat and drink for free the entire week. The key question remains: ''What is this all about?'' Aahh there you have the drinks. Yeah, run away. Signing in subject is quite controversial. People sign in and receive 300 euro. Some of them just sign in and leave. It came to light several times. Does this still happen? Yes, definitely. There are stories going on about MEP entering the building and directly leave. The issue is quite large especially on mondays. People come here in the evening and immediately leave the building. They can sign in till 10 p.m. and then they head home. You can see that I am signing in here. I am giving them my signature and in the end of the week I will receive 300 euro on my bankaccount. You are allowed to do this 5 times a week. Nothing happens, because the MEP do not recognize it as an issue. This happens on a daily basis. You will see them arriving with their rolling suitcases, sign in and then leave. So, is there a chance we might catch 1 or 2 while we are waiting here? There is 100% chance you will catch someone trying to conduct this horrible trick. The one we see here is Miloslav Ransdorf. He is a MEP of the GOE party. He just arrived via the parking lot and he just signed in. As you can see he leaves 1 minute later. Miloslav just arrived from Czech Rep. From signing in, to his appartment is aprrox. 100 meters. When you were chasing our great friend Miloslav, there was another MEP who we stumbled upon. His name is Raffaele Baldassarre. I saw him going in to the room to sign in and left. Why won't you go and ask him why he signs in at 6:30 p.m.? Take it easy, you crazy! As you can see he enters the elevator and presses the button. He is on his way to his driver to drive him home. It was a tough day, today. It was a long day and I hope you have learned something what happens inside the Europarlement. We drink another beer. You drink a small one and I a big one. Well, that is why I am a German (?!). I guess this will also be reimbursed on expenses of Europe. The bill will go to Martin Schultz. Cheers!