In a remarkable turn of events, Daniel Jackson, a 52-year-old British entrepreneur, has officially claimed a patch of unclaimed land between Croatia and Serbia, declaring it the independent micronation of Verdis.
Jackson, who describes himself as a "professional problem solver," stumbled upon the disputed territory while researching border conflicts. The area, known as Gornja Siga, had been left unclaimed due to a longstanding disagreement between Croatia and Serbia over their shared border.
The Birth of Verdis
Jackson saw an opportunity in this bureaucratic limbo. "I thought, why not create something positive out of this?" he said. In 2019, he began the process of establishing Verdis, complete with its own flag, currency, and even a national anthem composed by a friend.
The micronation, which covers approximately 7 square kilometres, has already attracted attention from curious travellers and micronation enthusiasts. Jackson has ambitious plans for Verdis, including eco-tourism projects and renewable energy initiatives.
Diplomatic Reactions
Neither Croatia nor Serbia has officially recognised Verdis, but Jackson reports that local officials have been surprisingly supportive. "They see it as a quirky solution to a longstanding problem," he explained.
Legal experts remain divided on the legitimacy of Jackson's claim. While international law does provide mechanisms for claiming terra nullius (land belonging to no state), the unique circumstances surrounding Gornja Siga make this a particularly unusual case.
What's Next for Verdis?
Jackson is currently working on establishing basic infrastructure and seeking international recognition. While Verdis may never become a UN member state, Jackson remains optimistic about its future as a "neutral zone for dialogue and innovation."
For now, visitors to Verdis can expect a warm welcome from its population of one (Jackson himself), and perhaps a stamp in their passport from the world's newest micronation.
