Free Republic of Verdis: Youth-Led Micronation Sparks Controversy Between Balkan States

A small stretch of woodland beside the Danube has become the center of a sovereignty dispute after Daniel Jackson, a 20-year-old Australian, declared the territory an independent nation. Known as the Free Republic of Verdis, Jackson’s project is seen as a rare modern attempt to assert independence over an ungoverned tract of land in Southeastern Europe.

Jackson, who labels himself as president of the new state, unveiled Verdis as a sovereign entity on social media—quickly drawing international attention. He claims to have discovered the 125-acre land in 2019, nestled between Serbia and Croatia, and reports that over 400 individuals are now affiliated with the movement. These inhabitants were formerly referred to as the “Pocket Three,” an informal term for locals living in the buffer zone.

The Free Republic of Verdis is described as having its own constitution, flag, currency, and official use of three languages: Croatian, Serbian, and English. The declaration builds on the concept of “terra nullius”—land that is not claimed by any sovereign state—and aims to demonstrate peaceful micronational governance in a disputed area.

However, the Croatian government did not welcome the initiative. Jackson was arrested shortly after his announcement, with officials citing concerns over national security and branding the act as an unauthorized political maneuver that could disrupt regional equilibrium.

Though the legitimacy of Verdis is widely questioned, its bold declaration has sparked renewed public interest in micronation movements, which often serve as tools of activism or cultural expression. While unlikely to receive official recognition, Verdis highlights the evolving narratives around statelessness, identity, and alternative forms of governance.