Trump family-linked resort project could threaten Albania's EU ambitions
Protest in Albania against the construction of Kushner's resort project (photo: Getty Images)
Brussels has warned Albania of a serious risk to its European Union accession talks. The reason is a controversial resort project by Jared Kushner that allegedly conflicts with the bloc's environmental standards, Politico reports.
The European Commission is warning Albanian authorities against reckless steps, as construction on the southern coast could come at a high cost for the country. Compliance with European Union environmental rules is a mandatory condition for membership. The project by Donald Trump's son-in-law threatens the closure of Chapter 27, the green chapter, in the accession negotiations.
"Albania should refrain from actions that could undermine the fulfillment of the closing benchmarks, and (we - ed.) expect the Albanian authorities to act without delay," a European Commission spokesperson said.
The European Union insists on full alignment of legislation related to the Birds and Habitats Directives. Brussels is demanding the repeal of amendments to the Law on Protected Areas. Officials are also calling for the termination of the Strategic Investments Law.
The Flamingo Revolution and environmental risks
National protests over the resort construction have been ongoing in Albania for a week. Activists have named their movement the Flamingo Revolution. The project is planned for a protected area that serves as a nesting site for rare birds and turtles and a habitat for seals.
The main reasons for public dissatisfaction include:
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A threat to the unique Vjosa-Narta ecosystem;
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The absence of a transparent environmental impact assessment;
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Suspicions of corrupt lobbying in favor of foreign investors;
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The risk of losing the country's European prospects.
The protests have spread beyond Albania. Diaspora communities in New York, London, and Brussels have supported the demands and are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The position of the Albanian authorities
Prime Minister Edi Rama believes the controversy surrounding the project is artificial and says, "If it wasn't Jared, they wouldn't give a shit." He is convinced that European Union leaders are not particularly concerned about the domestic protests.
However, the situation has moved beyond an environmental debate. The anti-corruption prosecutor's office, SPAK, has launched an official investigation into changes to the status of protected lands. The legality of property rights acquired in 2024 is also being examined.
The future of European Union membership in question
Albania aims to join the European Union by 2030. Technical negotiations are expected to be completed much earlier, in 2027.
However, the 2015 Strategic Investments Law is creating problems because it allows privileged projects to bypass complex reviews. Brussels has long pressured Tirana to change these rules.
Background of the controversy
Kushner's fund, Affinity Partners, plans to develop two unique sites. The first is the uninhabited island of Sazan, where the project is valued at $1.4 billion. The second site is located in Zvërnec, part of a protected landscape where investments of $4.7 billion are planned.
