EU scrutiny intensifies over Albania’s Kushner-linked Narta Lagoon resort

The European Commission has escalated its oversight of Albania’s EU accession negotiations, citing growing concerns over the management of the Pishe Poro–Narta protected landscape. The scrutiny follows the emergence of a proposed €4 billion luxury resort on the Zvernec Peninsula, a project linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Brussels views the handling of this sensitive coastal area as a critical benchmark for Albania’s ability to meet EU environmental standards and transparency requirements.

Tensions peaked on May 30 when videos circulated on social media showing private security guards forcibly removing activists from the construction site. The footage, which depicted demonstrators being dragged across the sand, sparked immediate public outrage and triggered solidarity protests in Tirana under the slogan "Albania is not for sale." The incident has drawn sharp criticism from environmental organisations, which argue that key decisions regarding the development have been made without sufficient public disclosure.

Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed the controversy in a public address, condemning the actions of the security guards as "disgusting." However, he firmly rejected calls to halt the project, framing it as a strategic investment essential for elevating Albania into the "Champions League of global tourism." Rama insisted that the resort represents a shift toward high-end tourism and argued that conservation and economic activity can coexist within the protected zone, which spans more than 18,000 hectares.

Despite the prime minister’s defence, the project remains in a procedural phase with no final environmental permit issued. Rama confirmed that both the environmental impact assessment and architectural design are still under development. Nevertheless, the European Commission has expressed unease over the repeated extension of Albania’s strategic investments law, warning that such measures may compromise environmental protections in designated areas.

The dispute occurs at a pivotal moment for Albania’s accession talks, particularly regarding the closing benchmarks on environment and climate change. The Narta Lagoon is a vital habitat for migratory birds, including protected pink flamingos, and is expected to join the Natura 2000 network upon EU membership. Ulrich Eichelmann of Riverwatch highlighted the region’s ecological significance, comparing its integrity to the recently protected Vjosa Wild River National Park and urging the international community to safeguard such undisturbed natural corridors.