The Federation of the Danube is a large, supra-national union of several states roughly along the Danube. Partially modelled on the old Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Allies (and Emperor Otto I as well) planned a more democratic federation of European countries. Unlike its predecessor, each nation is given a considerable amount of liberties and identity, preventing an oppressive character of the Federation. All states belonging to it are simultaneously sovereign and independent states which are recognised separately, yet each of them is represented by a counsel in the Federation's parliament. The Danube Federation cooperates with the free Rhineland, France and the Benelux states, forming an economic union (which, by coincidence, is called European Union).