A New Nation Emerges in Europe
Daniel Jackson, a 20-year-old digital designer, has declared himself the president of a self-proclaimed nation called the Free Republic of Verdis. Located in a disputed area between Croatia and Serbia, this tiny country spans just 0.5 square kilometers along the Danube River. The land, known as “pocket three,” was unclaimed due to ongoing border disputes between the neighboring countries. Jackson’s vision for Verdis began as a childhood experiment and has since evolved into a functioning micro-nation complete with its own flag, cabinet, and currency.
The Birth of Verdis
Jackson officially declared Verdis’ independence on May 30, 2019. Despite its small size, Verdis is now recognized as the world’s second-smallest country after Vatican City. The nation operates with English, Croatian, and Serbian as its official languages and uses the Euro as its currency. Access to Verdis is limited to boat travel from Osijek, Croatia, but attempts to settle have faced resistance from Croatian authorities.
Challenges with Croatian Authorities
In October 2023, Croatian police detained Jackson and several settlers, deporting them and issuing Jackson a lifetime ban from entering Croatia. The authorities cited homeland security concerns but did not provide specific reasons for their actions. Jackson claims that Croatian authorities have installed surveillance along Verdis’ shoreline to prevent access from Serbia. Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful for future diplomatic relations with Croatia.
A Growing Community
Verdis began with just four people but now boasts over 400 citizens selected from more than 15,000 applicants. Each citizen receives a passport, although Jackson advises against using it for international travel. The selection process prioritizes individuals with in-demand skills such as medicine or policing.
Future Aspirations
Jackson frequently travels to Belgrade, Serbia, where officials have been more receptive to his efforts. He continues to advocate for the right to access Verdis and hopes to return permanently one day. If successful, he plans to step down and call for elections, emphasizing his desire for normalcy over power. Despite setbacks, Jackson remains optimistic about Verdis’ future and is determined to transform it from a thought experiment into a recognized nation.