Liberland, a self-declared micronation founded in 2015 on disputed land between Croatia and Serbia, awarded Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin its highest state honor—the First Class Order of Merit of the Star of Liberland—during ETHPrague 2026. The award was presented by President Vít Jedlička at a side event, recognizing Buterin's contributions to blockchain technology and interest in new forms of digital governance. Buterin thanked the community and expressed hope for future synergies. Liberland, which elected Tron founder Justin Sun as prime minister in 2024, markets itself as a crypto haven with blockchain-based governance, though it remains unrecognized by any sovereign nation. The micronation has attracted libertarian activists and blockchain developers interested in alternative governance systems since its launch.

Key facts

• Liberland awarded Vitalik Buterin its highest honor, the First Class Order of Merit of the Star of Liberland.
• The award was presented at ETHPrague 2026 by President Vít Jedlička.
• Liberland, founded in 2015, remains unrecognized by any sovereign nation.
• Tron founder Justin Sun was elected prime minister of Liberland in 2024.
• Buterin thanked the community and expressed interest in future synergies.

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