European Union: The Board Game (2015) Board Game

European Union: The Board Game is a strategic and educational board game that simulates the complexities of EU decision-making processes. It was released in 2015 by Big Fun Games, aiming to provide players with a deeper understanding of how the European Union operates and the challenges faced by its member states in reaching consensus.

Game Components of European Union: The Board Game

Player Screens: Each player has a screen to keep their Influence points hidden.

Member State Cards: These cards represent different European countries, each with its own Voting and Influence points (e.g., Italy, Germany, France).

MEP (Members of the European Parliament) Cards: These cards have Voting powers ranging from 9 to 14.

Proposal Cards: There are 50 proposals, with 21 drawn per game, covering five policy directions: European Integration, Free Economy, Open Society, Environmental Protection, and Social Security.

Influence Chips: Used for bidding to select Member State cards and MEPs.

Influence Points: Players start with 10 Influence points.

How To Setup European Union: The Board Game

To set up the game, each player chooses a semi-fictitious European political party, each with different agendas and special abilities. Players start with 10 Influence points behind their screens. One player is randomly designated as the President. The game is divided into three rounds, each simulating the increased membership of the European Union over time.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bidding Mechanic: Players secretly bid Influence chips to pick Member State cards and MEPs.

Voting Mechanic: Players vote on proposals in the European Parliament stage, requiring a simple majority to pass.

Trick-taking Mechanic: Players use their MEPs’ Voting powers to influence the outcome of proposals.

Trading Mechanic: Implicit trading through alliances and negotiations.

Game Objective: The player with the highest number of Influence points at the end of the three rounds wins.

Player Experience

Players take on the roles of European political party leaders, navigating complex negotiations and alliances to push through their preferred policies. The game captures the essence of contemporary power struggles within the EU, requiring players to balance their party’s agenda with the need to form alliances and persuade other leaders.

Pros

High Replayability: With 50 proposals and only 21 drawn per game, the game offers hundreds of possible plays.

Thematic Accuracy: The game effectively mimics real EU negotiations and power dynamics.

Engaging Mechanics: Bidding, voting, and forming alliances keep players engaged and strategic.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be complex for new players due to its multiple stages and mechanics.

Historical Discrepancies: Some historical references and progressions are ahistorical, but this does not significantly impact gameplay.

Length: The game can take 60-90 minutes to play.

Personal Thoughts on European Union: The Board Game

This game is ideal for those interested in politics, negotiation, and strategy. It is particularly suitable for groups of 3 to 7 players who enjoy complex, interactive games that require strategic thinking and social interaction. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a great choice for those who enjoy deep, thematic gameplay and are willing to invest time in learning the rules.

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