Legislativity - The Future Of Europe Lies In Your Hands!
Games As Means Of EU Communication
Grasping the specific dynamics of EU legislation is usually quite tricky.
That is why we try to bring interested individuals and groups in situations where they organically open up to new systems and sets of rules. Games, and especially board games, are perfect for this purpose.
For players, games can represent a starting point for learning about and reflecting on the systems and rules they are being confronted with.
Additionally, the face-to-face setting of board games can help facilitating authenticity, empathy, and trust towards both the other players and the object of the game.
The EU itself offers a wide variety of game-like resources, including quizzes, role plays and board games:
EU Learning Corner - Play Games
Gamification offers useful methods to bridge the gap between the EU and its citizens. By bringing EU legislation from office floors in Brussels to classrooms and kitchen tables in Germany, we aim to create both factual and emotional learning effects.
Each tile represents a real European legislative proposal that needs to become law as soon as possible. To achieve this, you must get your initiative through the European institutions in Brussels. But beware — surprising twists and turns can turn the entire game on its head at any time!
EU legislation as a board game
This interactive and playful approach provides easy access to how the European Union works. Legislativity is fun for both EU newcomers and advanced experts alike.
On this website, you can find background information on the game, as well as further details on the current status of the actual EU laws.
Have fun playing and learning!
Basically, Legislativity is about successfully passing a law through the EU legislative process. Each player selects a legislative proposal and attempts to turn it into valid EU legislation, step by step. This involves passing through various institutions: First, the European Commission makes a proposal; then, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU must give their approval.
Players take turns to roll the dice. The game piece moves forward by the number rolled; event tiles and special actions can influence the course of the game, for example by shifting majorities or influencing lobbyists. If you roll a 6, you can either roll again or use a special action. Players must stop at 'STOP' spots and, depending on the current majority, decide whether the law continues or must take a diversion.
The game ends either when a player has passed three laws or after a predetermined time. Then, the winner is the player who has passed the most bills.
Learning objectives:
1. Developing a systematic understanding of EU institutions and legislative processes.
2. Familiarising yourself with political influence mechanisms.
3. Analysing political issues and reflecting on opportunities for democratic participation.
4. Developing strategic thinking and communication/cooperation skills.
Professional version:
Legislativity can also be played in the professional version. Here, players are challenged to convince each other with good arguments and negotiation strategies. The focus is therefore more on political and substantive debate.
Order Now!
To order the German-language game, simply send an email to info@europa-zentrum.de.
‘Legislativity’ costs €39.50, plus packaging and shipping.
Legislativity In Reality
This is a selection of actual EU laws that are playable in Legislativity.
We have compiled some background information, as well as the current status of each law.
Council Decision 91/396/EEC
Brief Summary:
All Member States must ensure that "112" is available as a common emergency number. The number should be available free of charge in all public telephone networks. This will give travellers and tourists in particular better access to emergency services.
Status: 🟢Adopted and in force since August 1991 - last revised in 2018: Improving accessibility, location transmission & preventive warning functions (Directive 2018/1972)
Regulation 2024/1689
Brief Summary:
All AI applications on the European market will be subject to a risk classification, which will then be accompanied by corresponding requirements. AI applications that violate fundamental rights (e.g. biometric profiling) will be completely banned. Certain types of systems, such as chatbots, must be labelled as such by their providers. The EU can impose fines for violations.
Status: 🟢Adopted and in force since August 2024
Regulation 2021/817
Brief Summary:
The Erasmus+ programme is secured until 2027. In particular, lifelong learning will be promoted in the areas of education, training and sport. People with fewer opportunities (financial, geographical, health) are also to receive more support.
Status: 🟢Adopted and in force since January 2021
Directive 2022/2041
Brief Summary:
Member states are urged to set appropriate minimum wages and to review these regularly. Furthermore, collective bargaining is promoted in specific sectors. Public contracts may only be awarded to companies that pay statutory or collectively agreed minimum wages.
Status: 🟢Adopted and in force since November 2022 - Denmark has initiated annulment proceedings before the ECJ (Legal Case C-19/23)
Directive 2024/825
Brief Summary:
Europe's citizens should be able to make more environmentally conscious purchasing decisions. Companies will only be allowed to print certified environmental labels on their products. Generic labels such as ‘environmentally neutral’ will be banned unless they can be substantiated. Deliberately shortening the service life of products, for example through planned material fatigue, will also be prohibited.
Status: 🟢Adopted and in force since March 2024
Regulation 2024/1351
Brief Summary:
Responsibility for migration management is to be distributed more fairly between the member states. The rules according to which the member states are assigned responsibility for an asylum application will be made more efficient and stricter. Asylum seekers will not be allowed to leave the member state responsible. There is also a new solidarity mechanism that provides financial support to countries under high migratory pressure.
Status: 🟢Adopted - comes into force in July 2026
Directive 2024/1760
Brief summary:
Large companies in the EU must ensure compliance with certain due diligence obligations along their entire value chain, i.e. for all direct and indirect suppliers. The focus here is primarily on human rights (e.g. the prohibition of child & forced labour), environmental standards (e.g. the prevention of serious environmental pollution) and labour rights (e.g. fair wages and occupational health and safety). Companies must invest in prevention, are responsible for violations and can also be sanctioned accordingly.
Status: 🟢Adopted and in force since July 2024
Directive 2009/48/EC
Brief summary:
The directive sets stricter limits for chemicals and harmful substances in the manufacture of toys. Companies will be obliged to carry out a safety assessment before placing their products on the European market. Clear responsibilities will be assigned in order to penalise infringements more efficiently.
Status: 🟢Adopted and in force since June 2009
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