After the exciting news about the opening of Liberland and early settlement activities, the next upcoming milestone is to celebrate President Vit’s 40th birthday on this land he claimed eight years ago.
Previously, despite claiming the terra nullius as the Free Republic of Liberland on the date of Thomas Jefferson’s birthday on April 13, 2015, it was near impossible to step foot on the land. This was mostly due to the Croatian authorities vigorously guarding the land with armed officers. The land had been overlooked after the fall of the Yugoslavia but neither Croatia or Serbia claimed it. The small parcel of 7 kilometre square uninhabited land lies on the edge of the Danube, but moving borders and the river bed channel meant it belonged to neither. The Serbian authorities were not too bothered but the Croatians were still challenging borders and so this tiny piece of land became a hostage to politics.
Over the past eight years, attempts were made to land on Liberland but those who got through the armed guard ended up being arrested and put into a Croatian jail, even if only for one night. It was enough to make Liberlanders worry about possible settlement in the future.
However, over the past eight years President Vit and his team did not lose hope. They held annual conferences to celebrate the anniversary of the launch of the country inviting big names such as ‘Bitcoin Jesus’ Roger Ver and former congressman Ron Paul to speak to the growing Liberland community. The now famous Floating Man festival was created in 2019 and this water-based festival continues to grow year on year (despite Covid) in the middle. President Vit and his ministerial team travel extensively, speaking at conferences and spreading the word about Liberland to the far corners of the world. National teams have been set up in sport, music and even beauty pageants to compete in international competitions.
The international Liberland community grows daily. There are weekly meetings for citizens to talk about policy and hear updates. The constitution is being designed with governance operated on its very own blockchain. The Liberland Aid Foundation, the charitable arm of Liberland, is concerned with assisting those less well off in troubled areas such as Haiti. Last year, President Vit and his ministers travelled to El Salvador to discover how President Bukele is running a Bitcoin-based economy and donated aid to Benjamin Bloom Children’s Hospital resulting in President Bukele publicly thanking the delegation.
From being just an idea, the dedication of the president, ministers, staff and supports of Liberland were creating a groundswell of noise, interest and excitement.
Then in early 2023, Croatia joined the Schengen region which allowed for free travel of citizens in this political block without the need for visas. This opened up a free passage from Hungary to Croatia and onto Liberland without the need for visas. This route was trialled successfully by YouTube influencer Nico and witnessed more than nine million views online demonstrating the popularity of the subject.
Shortly afterwards, President Vit Jedlicka held a formal meeting with President Milanovic of Croatia and after that it was all go go go.
There are now several formal border crossings into Liberland (see details here) currently restricted to walking, biking or via boats. The Croatian police patrol the border crossings but are polite and respectful, although Liberlanders are advised not to have a Liberland stamp in their passport as this is seen as a red flag.
Liberlanders hailing from outside the Schengen region must apply for a visa to enter Liberland but this is a formality.
Now, to celebrate President Vit’s 40th birthday invitations have been sent to citizens and supporters. There are only 150 places available and it is by invite only.
The birthday celebrations will take place in two venues: the Liberland Marina Mateos and Jefferson Square.
Jefferson Square is the site of the first settlement on Liberland: a ruined building that the Croatians demolished and then removed all the stone back in 2018. However, to everyone’s surprise a fully intact cellar remained which is currently being used as a storage area. This is formally known as Liberty Street 1 and will in time become the seat of Liberland Congress.
Liberland Marina Mateos is the beach area and is ideal for landings. There is no prohibition from Croatian on this site and already there are a number of house boats arriving and mooring at this location. This will be the site of the main party.
The party itself will features refreshments, music, a live DJ and food. Attendees will be helped to find accommodation in nearby hotels.
Again, it plans to be an amazing event and not to be missed. Citizens and supporters wishing to attend, please RSVP on this link invitees must have legal access to the Schengen region (hint if you are Irish you do not have access).
So even if you cannot attend the birthday party on the 9th of September, I know you will all wish the President the happiest of birthdays.