A film which is largely concerned with the subtle art of film production. It becomes politically interesting in its brief reference to the significance of the European Union to the individual. Consideration of politics often spills into the social realm, thus the study is often lumped into sociopolitical considerations. In the beginning of the film, when the main character, Philip Winter, is traveling to Lisbon to aid Friedrich Monroe in finishing his black and white film. He describes a ‘Europe without borders’ in which citizens can freely travel between countries. He refers to the modern Europe, the politically unified European Union.

Europa, the official website claims the union provides:‘Free travel and trade, the euro (the single European currency), safer food and a greener environment, better living standards in poorer regions, joint action on crime and terror, cheaper phone calls, and millions of opportunities to study abroad.’ Surely the union has provided the opportunity for these things to be enacted, but they still require specific political action. Lisbon Story presents an individuals semi-satirical experience of the union. He can travel freely, but this doesn't mean he can do so easily. The realities of Europe do not all change with change in governance, this is the essential political commentary of the film