A New Nation Emerges on Disputed Territory

A 20-year-old Australian, Daniel Jackson, has garnered significant attention by declaring himself the president of the Free Republic of Verdis. This self-proclaimed micronation is located on a 125-acre forest patch along the Danube River, nestled between Croatia and Serbia. The land, known as “pocket three,” remains unclaimed due to a longstanding border dispute between the two countries. Jackson’s initiative has attracted nearly 400 citizens and established its own flag, cabinet, and currency.

The Vision Behind Verdis

Jackson’s dream of creating Verdis began at the age of 14 as an experimental project with friends. By 18, he started formalizing the nation’s government, crafting laws and designing a national flag. Officially declaring independence on May 30, 2019, Verdis operates with English, Croatian, and Serbian as its official languages and uses the Euro for transactions. Despite its ambitious start, Verdis faces challenges in gaining international recognition.

Challenges with Croatian Authorities

Access to Verdis is primarily by boat from Osijek, Croatia. However, attempts to settle have been met with resistance from Croatian authorities. In October 2023, several settlers, including Jackson, were detained and deported by Croatian police under claims of being a threat to homeland security. Jackson now leads a “government in exile” and accuses Croatia of setting up surveillance to prevent access from Serbia.

Efforts for Diplomatic Relations

Despite tensions with Croatia, Jackson seeks to establish a positive relationship with both neighboring countries. He frequently visits Belgrade, Serbia, where officials have shown more openness to his cause. Jackson remains hopeful that diplomatic efforts will eventually allow him and his citizens to reclaim their land.

Citizenship and Future Aspirations

Verdis offers citizenship selectively, prioritizing individuals with skills in medicine or law enforcement due to its limited size. Each citizen receives a passport; however, Jackson advises against using it for international travel. Some citizens have reportedly used their passports successfully in other countries. Jackson envisions stepping down and calling an election if his efforts succeed, emphasizing his lack of interest in holding power.

Optimism Amidst Setbacks

Despite numerous obstacles, Jackson remains optimistic about Verdis’ future. He believes that since Croatia does not claim the land, Verdis holds a legitimate right to it. His determination continues to drive efforts toward establishing Verdis as a recognized nation.