Liberland: A Journey to Freedom and Open Borders
In the Serbian town of Apatin, Jedlička, the self-proclaimed president of Liberland, hosted a welcome dinner to mark the anniversary of the micro-nation he founded. The town, nestled amidst crop fields and fruit stalls, is not familiar with the concept of Liberland, and the few who are aware seem to be more interested in the spectacle rather than the ideology behind it. However, given the turbulent history between Croatians and Serbs, characterized by bitter conflict during the Croatian War of Independence, the sensitive topic of borders is a source of tension for the locals.
Apatin resident, Savo Vojinovic, faced hostility from Croatians and police when he attempted to cross the river into Croatian territory. Despite this, he expressed support for the idea of a nation based on freedom and open borders, even if the likelihood of its success appears slim.
The welcome dinner attracted an international crowd, mainly comprising of white, middle-aged males. Despite the diverse representation with attendees from Scandinavia, Italy, Spain, Germany, Libya, and Tunisia, the majority of participants were male, demonstrating a significant gender imbalance at Liberland events.
Liberland delegates and supporters exchanged stories of their attempts to access the micro-nation, including instances of evading border patrol. With Croatia’s recent entry into the Schengen Area, entering Liberland from Serbia or Hungary posed legal challenges due to the absence of border control between Croatia and Hungary. However, Jedlička remains optimistic, emphasizing that they have prepared for permanent settlement, and the recent occupation of Liberland territory for over a month is a significant achievement after years of stalemate.
Despite the presence of police boats along the river, Jedlička remains undeterred, characterizing the vessels as their “security escort.” In reality, the police boats are deployed to prevent anyone from reaching the shores of Liberland.
The journey to establish Liberland as a sovereign state based on liberty and open borders continues to face numerous challenges. With growing international support and perseverance, Jedlička remains committed to his vision, believing that the concept of Liberland will prevail, despite the obstacles encountered along the way.
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