EU Raises Concerns Over Albania's Luxury Resort Development
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have cautioned Albania that its negotiations for European Union accession could be jeopardized if the government does not alter its plans regarding a luxury resort project supported by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump.
Tineke Strik, a Dutch MEP leading a European Parliament fact-finding mission to Albania, stated that the country's leadership was "playing with fire" by advancing the €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion) real estate development, which she warned would cause significant damage to pristine coastline areas.
The project has triggered widespread opposition, sparking a series of protests known as the "Green Protest" movement, which includes demands for the resignation of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
"If Rama is really serious about his EU ambitions, he should step back from this trajectory and say to the Trump clan, ‘sorry, the EU is my first priority’,"Strik told .
"Right now, they’re endangering a process that is so dear to them … They’re playing with fire."
EU membership remains the most popular policy in Albania since the fall of communism over 30 years ago, with approximately 92% of citizens supporting the goal.
Rama, who secured a third term in office last year, has committed to integrating Albania—one of Europe's poorest nations—into the 27-member bloc by 2030. Encouraged by progress in complex negotiations, he previously set an ambitious target to complete the accession process by December 2027. EU officials have welcomed this deadline but described it as challenging.
However, this timeline may now be at risk if Rama continues to endorse the Kushner-backed project, which involves developing previously protected environmental zones in southern Albania.
Jared Kushner has proposed creating a large-scale resort on Sazan Island, Albania's only island, and constructing facilities along a stretch of untouched shoreline on the Zvërnec peninsula opposite the island. He has described the development as a destination he would enjoy with family and friends.
The scale of the project and the resulting protests have alarmed the European Parliament, which expressed its disapproval last month. In a resolution, MEPs supported the demonstrators and called for an immediate halt to construction activities in protected areas. They also urged the repeal of legislation that permitted "predatory capitalists" to acquire permits as strategic investors in regions designated as wildlife protection zones and ecologically unique habitats.
Following a four-day visit that included inspections of the proposed development sites, Strik emphasized the potential repercussions for Albania's EU accession negotiations, particularly concerning Chapter 27, which mandates adherence to EU environmental standards.
"If they go ahead, they’ll have a big problem with the EU during the negotiations – especially on Chapter 27 where they have to meet all the benchmarks of EU environmental policies. The planned construction of such large-scale real estate in such a fragile area is an immense threat,"she said.
Strik highlighted the environmental damage already inflicted on the Zvërnec peninsula, including the destruction of forests, ancient dunes, and the construction of a 7-kilometer gravel road, all of which violate EU directives.
During their visit, the parliamentarians were encouraged by the Albanian public’s active participation in protests defending European values and demanding government accountability. However, they expressed disappointment with the responses from Albanian officials.
Strik voiced concern over comments from Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj, who suggested that construction would continue until Albania was compelled to comply with EU environmental standards.
She also raised issues regarding allegations of corruption related to the issuance of construction permits and land sales in Zvërnec. Critics have condemned the lack of transparency and public consultation surrounding the project.
"I left today’s meeting with the impression that they intend to continue with this project before they have to be aligned with EU law and this, of course, is not a way of loyal cooperation,"Strik stated.
"They cannot say now ‘we can do more damage and then we’ll see at the end of next year where we stand’. That’s not a way to go and we will call upon the EU commission to follow this up very strongly with the Albanian government."
Albania has received broad support from European Parliament members for its EU candidacy. Strik affirmed her strong support for the Balkan nation’s membership aspirations.
"I come away with the feeling that the Albanian people really want to become members of the EU, in fact they already feel they belong there,"she said.
Strik noted that the ongoing protests are not solely about environmental concerns but have evolved into a broader movement advocating for the rule of law.
"Albanians are protesting every day because they want to have a proper democracy, which really strengthens my trust in the process and in their desire for accession. What I am not so sure about is whether the government of Albania is taking at all seriously the concerns of the Albanian people, of us [MEPs] and the European Commission – which is why I have called on it to change course and take its citizens seriously."
