198 - We’re Building a New Country in Europe | Daniel Jackson

<p><strong>At 21 years old, Daniel Jackson is already president of a country. There is just one problem: he currently can't enter it.</strong></p>

<p>If you follow Free Cities, micronations or alternative governance online, there’s a good chance Verdis has suddenly appeared in your social media feed. Daniel says Verdis-related content has generated more than 200 million views over the past year, much of it following footage of him being chased by Croatian police boats.</p>

<p>Verdis claims a tiny piece of land on the Danube between Croatia and Serbia, close to Liberland. Daniel and his team established a settlement there in 2023 before Croatian authorities removed them. Today Verdis operates what it calls a government in exile, claims around 400 citizens and 5,000 e-residents, issues passports and is attempting to build diplomatic relationships around the world.</p>

<p>But Verdis is not simply another Liberland. Daniel describes himself as a centrist, wants the country to be politically neutral, is cautious about becoming a tax haven and talks repeatedly about keeping Croatia and Serbia comfortable with whatever Verdis becomes. The central problem: declaring sovereignty is one thing, but how do you actually achieve it when the neighbouring states hold all the cards?</p>

<p>In this conversation: terra nullius, international recognition, citizenship, passports, taxation, attracting residents, financing a new country and the diplomatic effort to get back onto the land. And near the end Daniel reveals something unexpected: if Verdis succeeds, adopts a new constitution and holds elections, he says he won’t run. He wants to step down and live there as an ordinary citizen.</p>

<p><strong>Key topics covered</strong></p>

<ul>

<li>Why Verdis suddenly appeared all over social media</li>

<li>Daniel Jackson becoming president at 21</li>

<li>Verdis versus Liberland</li>

<li>Claiming one of the world’s last pieces of unclaimed land</li>

<li>The Croatian blockade</li>