Young Australian Declares New Nation on Disputed Land

With fewer than 400 citizens, a 20-year-old Australian founded a new micronation—now facing real-world opposition in the heart of Europe.

Story Snapshot

Daniel Jackson, a Melbourne native, established the Free Republic of Verdis on disputed land between Croatia and Serbia in 2019.
Verdis claims humanitarian ambitions and has drawn attention for its young leadership and attempts at state-building.
Croatian authorities detained and deported Verdisian citizens in 2023, escalating the conflict and prompting legal action.
The micronation remains unrecognized, highlighting broader questions about sovereignty, international law, and youth activism.

Young Australian Declares New Nation on Disputed European Land

In 2019, Daniel Jackson, then a teenager from Melbourne, identified a small stretch of unclaimed land along the Danube River, a result of ongoing border disputes between Croatia and Serbia following the breakup of Yugoslavia. He and a group of associates declared the Free Republic of Verdis, setting out to build a micronation focused on humanitarian principles. Jackson’s youth and the audacity of the project quickly drew international attention, with Verdis’ population now numbering just under 400 accepted citizens selected for their relevant skills and backgrounds.

Man, 20, builds country with just 400 citizens — and says it all began as ‘an experiment’ https://t.co/gcg52XKWjt pic.twitter.com/ZWB2BdynyE

— New York Post (@nypost) August 3, 2025

The territory claimed by Verdis is less than 125 acres, roughly the size of Vatican City. The area had long been terra nullius—land claimed by neither neighboring country due to the complexities of post-Yugoslav border demarcation. Verdis’ leadership, spearheaded by Jackson, established a provisional government, drafted a constitution, and began seeking international recognition. The government in exile now oversees foreign affairs, defense, infrastructure, and finance, functioning primarily online and through diplomatic outreach.

Croatia Responds with Detentions and Deportations

The self-declared nation’s ambitions met a significant roadblock in October 2023. Croatian authorities detained and deported a group of Verdisian citizens, including Jackson himself, after an attempted settlement on the claimed land. Croatian officials have consistently opposed Verdis’ existence, citing the need to maintain territorial integrity and prevent unauthorized settlements. The incident marked a turning point, as Verdisian leadership launched legal action against Croatia and organized protests at Croatian embassies, accusing the government of abusing EU-funded resources and violating humanitarian norms.

Serbian authorities, while indirectly involved due to the ongoing border dispute, have not formally recognized or opposed Verdis. This diplomatic ambiguity leaves the micronation in a precarious legal and political position. Despite the setbacks, Verdis continues to maintain a government-in-exile and has expanded its focus to humanitarian activities, particularly aiding Ukraine, in an effort to bolster its reputation and attract international support.

Legal, Political, and Humanitarian Implications

Experts in international law largely agree that Verdis’ claim to terra nullius in Europe is unlikely to succeed. Established states have little incentive to recognize new self-declared micronations, especially in regions with unresolved border disputes. Nevertheless, Verdis distinguishes itself from other similar ventures—such as Liberland, another micronation on the Danube—by emphasizing humanitarian outreach and youth-led activism. Its continued advocacy, despite the lack of formal recognition, has increased media attention and drawn focus to the complexities of border anomalies in the Balkans.

For the Verdisian citizens and their supporters, the experience has been both a lesson in the limits of self-declared sovereignty and a rallying point for those interested in unconventional forms of statehood. The situation also presents a case study in how youth activism can intersect with high-stakes international politics, especially when it challenges the status quo of established governments. Some observers dismiss Verdis as a publicity stunt, while others view it as a genuine attempt to address humanitarian needs in a neglected region.

Ongoing Advocacy and the Road Ahead

As of 2025, the Free Republic of Verdis operates without recognition from any United Nations member state. Its government continues to function in exile, prioritizing legal challenges, media engagement, and humanitarian work. Jackson remains at the center of these efforts, directing a small cabinet and an active community of citizens online. The broader implications of Verdis’ struggle are significant: the story highlights the fragility of borders in post-conflict regions, the challenges facing micronational movements, and the power dynamics between small groups and established states.

For Americans and constitutional conservatives, the Verdis saga is a stark reminder of the importance of clear borders, strong national sovereignty, and the dangers posed when governments refuse to enforce the rule of law. While the micronation’s humanitarian focus is commendable, the case also underscores the risks of government overreach and the necessity of defending established legal and constitutional frameworks—both at home and abroad. The future of Verdis remains uncertain, but its story will continue to resonate as a symbol of youth ambition and the enduring quest for freedom and self-determination.