Terranova Crisis Game Comes to Life at the EU Pavilion in Osaka

On 28 August, visitors to the EU Pavilion at the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan  stepped into the fictional country of Terranova, a vibrant island suddenly shaken by crises: from floods and cyberattacks to chemical spills, organised crime, and terror threats to public spaces.

Through the Terranova: a world in trouble interactive boardgame, over 120 participants of all ages became part of the EU’s threat response team, making tough decisions on how to protect communities, safeguard vital infrastructure, and restore stability in this vulnerable island. Using illustrated response cards and tokens, families and visitors of all ages worked together to balance resources and coordinate actions in a hands-on experience that mirrors how the EU addresses global threats in real life.

The event attracted a diverse mix of visitors, who engaged enthusiastically with the game’s challenges and discovered how the EU’s Global Threats programme tackles security threats, builds capacity with partners, and strengthens resilience worldwide.

We had the pleasure of having Maria Rosa Sabbatelli, Head of Unit for FPI.1 Global and Transregional Threats and Challenges at the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments of the European Commission, who joined the event and shared her reflections:

It has been fantastic to welcome visitors here at the EU Pavilion in Osaka to play Terranova, our interactive board game. Together, we stepped into the role of the EU’s threat response team, tackling cyber threats, emergency situations, and global challenges. This game was more than fun: it reflects how the European Union works with partners around the world to respond to crises, safeguard people, and build resilience.

By stepping into the EU’s threat response role, visitors experienced the types of challenges that demand teamwork, quick thinking, and resilience. These same principles guide the EU’s real work with partners across the globe to safeguard peace and security.