A Comparative analysis of federations: The Achaean federation and the European Union

In the present paper we analyse the emergence of the first federations in history, taking as an example the Achaean one. We analyse its structure decision making, institutions and finances. Then, we compare it to the present European Union and point out similarities and differences. Lastly, we attempt a valuation of the two federations according to two criteria: democratization and community of interest. Our conclusion is that the present European Union lags far behind the Achaean federation according to both criteria and has a long way to go in order to develop into a true federation.