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Free Republic of Verdis: A Micronation Between Croatia and Serbia

7/27/2026, 9:20:20 PM

Declaration of the Free Republic of Verdis

A small parcel of land on the Danube River, situated on the border between Croatia and Serbia, has been claimed by a group of young enthusiasts as the Free Republic of Verdis. The founders announced the micronation after four years of planning, describing it as an environmentally focused state. The territory is reported to be slightly larger than Vatican City.

Unclaimed Danube Borderland

The site lies in a narrow stretch of riverbank that is not formally claimed by either Croatia or Serbia. This legal vacuum provides the geographic basis for the micronation’s claim, although no sovereign state has recognized Verdis as a legitimate entity.

Founder and Supporters

Daniel Jackson, a geography enthusiast who first identified the unclaimed plot at age 14, leads the effort. Now in his early twenties, Jackson and a group of friends have organized the declaration, choosing the name “Verdis” from the Latin *viridis* (“green”) to reflect both the forested nature of the land and their ambition to create an eco-conscious community.

Croatian Opposition

Croatian authorities have voiced strong opposition to the project, emphasizing that the creation of a new state on the disputed riverbank is not permissible under international law. The lack of official recognition, combined with Croatia’s objections, leaves Verdis without diplomatic legitimacy.

Scope and Aspirations

While the micronation remains unrecognized, its founders aim to develop a self-sustaining model that prioritizes environmental stewardship. The initiative serves as a contemporary example of how individuals experiment with concepts of statehood, even when faced with legal and diplomatic hurdles.