The Free Republic of Verdis: A Micronation's Bid for Statehood on the Danube
Daniel Jackson, 21, is the founder of the Free Republic of Verdis, a micronation declared independent in 2019. Situated on a disputed, uninhabited piece of land approximately half a square kilometer in size, Verdis lies between Croatia and Serbia on the Danube River.
The Claim to Independence
Jackson identified the area, known as Pocket 3, as unclaimed due to a unique border dispute: Croatia maintains the land belongs to Serbia, while Serbia defines its border as the central line of the Danube.
Jackson claims this situation allowed Verdis to assert a claim under international law.
Verdis bases its claim on the legal concept of "terra nullius" or "nobody's land." Jackson asserts that no prior settlement existed in Verdis and that it has never historically been part of Croatia. He also reports positive relations with locals, with many citizens hailing from neighboring countries.
The Republic of Verdis: A Digital Nation
Deriving its name from the Latin word for green, Verdis boasts approximately 400 "citizens" and 2,000 "e-residents" who pay annual fees. The micronation has established a flag, constitution, and issues its own passports. It maintains offices in the UK and Serbia.
Verdis promotes itself online, particularly to Generation Z, as a haven for humanitarianism, democratic values, and environmental protection.
On-the-Ground Challenges
Despite its digital presence, Verdis faces significant challenges to physical settlement. Croatia considers any attempts to settle the land illegal. In 2023, Croatian police removed Jackson and his supporters from the territory, resulting in Jackson's permanent ban from Croatia.
Jackson states Croatian border police are blockading Verdis, while also acknowledging they prevent other entries.
Funding and Leadership
Jackson, currently in the UK, funds Verdis through a combination of crowdfunding, residency fees, and cryptocurrency meme coin sales. These funds allow him to draw a wage for his political and diplomatic missions.
Expert Perspective on Statehood
Dr. Harry Hobbs, a law professor at the University of New South Wales and an expert on micronations, outlines four conditions for statehood: territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter relations with other governments.
Dr. Hobbs indicates Verdis meets three conditions but requires a physical presence on the land to establish a permanent population.
He further notes that meeting legal criteria does not guarantee recognition from other countries, which typically occurs only if it serves their interests.
Dr. Hobbs also comments that while many micronations are harmless, some can lead to issues, such as vulnerable individuals being scammed during crises by promises of asylum.
Despite these hurdles, Jackson expresses confidence in Verdis's future recognition and aims for participation in events like Eurovision.