WRITING PRIZE RUNNER-UP: A city that makes a recipe for success

TAKE three large supranational institutions and two smaller committees. Add an assortment of private business, enterprise, interest groups and regional delegations. Place ingredients in a medium-sized city. Mix in flavours and spices from local communities. Pour in diverse languages, nationalities and customs. Stir together and place in urban oven for 40 years. Leave city identity to develop and take shape. Once ready, garnish and decorate capital to fortify its European flavour and identity.