Then do like the Polish Robert Schuman Foundation and create a ‘Virtual EU Parliament’ internet game. No really! Lots of fun!
Shocked at the pitifully low turnout at the 2004 EU parliamentary elections in Poland (a massive 20%) the Foundation’s Michał Kwietniewski - the man behind the project - said the aim of the game is "to raise awareness and familiarize young citizens".
The game has the sexy title of ‘Become a Member of the European Parliament International Internet Game’ (or BeMEP for short), where you can set up your own Brussels talking shop! Sounds great!
The Polish version of the game was so successful [?] apparently that they have launched the international version. The blurb says:
The Game is a simulation of the work of the European Parliament. Each of the contestants will become a Member of Parliament and will commence his activities in the virtual Parliament. He will have to negotiate with other contestants, predict the outcomes of votes in the real European Parliaments, and answer questions regarding the European Union. Furthermore everyone will be able to participate in virtual trainings (e-learning) on cultural, political, social and economical aspects of the European Union.
It doesn’t say whether you can also approve acres of useless, unreadable laws or fiddle your travel expenses, however. If not then the game’s designers may have left out one of the main motives for becoming a Euro lawmaker in the first place. Allegedly.
But if ‘Become a Member of the European Parliament International Internet Game’, doesn’t satisfy the inner Eurocrat in you then how about trying out the Eurocracy board game, where the aim is to become the President of the EU! Gulp! The game’s web site says it aims it to make ’European Governance fun for the whole family…’.
Personally, I would probably have more fun eating my foot.
4 comments:
Don't forget that you have to play the game with 20 interpreters and 20 bureaucrats by your side. Also, your hands have to be tied behind your back, just to symbolize all the power you really have.
There's nothing funnier than a euroenthusiast. Unless you're in school and your teacher insists on ramming this tripe down your throat.
Great blog... I wonder where I can get a copy of Eurocracy in Australia... I want my whole family to be able to enjoy the fun of European Governance... I imagine the boardgame (and European Governance in the real world) may actually be fun... after downing a bottle of vodka first...
teacher insists on ramming this tripe down your throat.
Isn't that illegal?
Ashlee
I have to say I wnat my family to appreciate the fun of Eiropean Governance, and it certainly would make some very funny Christmas pressies! So I am going to try and find out who makes it and I will let you know if they do mail order.
Alternativly, you could have a look at Ebay. I am sure a few people must have bought it but have tired of the fun of Euro Governnance.
Chris
Also, your hands have to be tied behind your back, just to symbolize all the power you really have.
That sounds like Euro fetishism! I bet it's popular in some of the kinkier clubs of Amsterdam!
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