The Danube federation

 “I often wonder whether these peoples, later, at the time of their maturity, won’t somehow unite again after all. Then this our Austria as we know it today will no longer be, but a new empire, or whatever the form may be called then, will reunite the many, because they will find it useful to be together . . .”
(An imperial officer in a text by Paula von Preradović)

On the left a possible federation of today, on the right its historical antecedent: Austria-Hungary

The Habsburg monarchy was home to the most diverse peoples for centuries. The bonds which held together this empire of many peoples survived the collapse of the Danube Empire, they survived fascism and communism. Now that these nations have either joined the EU or are about to do so, the buds of cohesion which were saved over time are beginning to sprout. One is again thinking of that which unites, rather that which separates. It is not only the similarity in mentality and in the form and conception of life among the related peoples or a nostalgic view of a great common past, but there are also very real political and economic reasons to advance an expanded ingathering of the successor states of the empire.

With the foundation of a confederation comprising Austria, the Czech republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia under one monarch and one crown it will be possible to speak with one voice instead of six to Brussels and to keep one head of state instead of six expensive presidents. And which head could represent the peoples of the Danube area better than an emperor of the House of Habsburg which has left its mark on this region like no other dynasty and which was itself equally formed by the many singular qualities of its peoples.

The further development of such a confederation could develop into a federally organized union of states, the member states largely retaining interior autonomy. An accession of single applicant states or parts thereof would be possible.

Thus a great power could again arise in the Alpine-Adriatic-Danubian region, a power which would not only offer its peoples protection, freedom and wealth, but would make Europe a bit more worth living in.

 “These countries are joined to us historically – they are waiting for us and our initiative.”
(His Imperial Highness Archduke Otto von Habsburg in a lecture in Salzburg, 6.6.2006)