The European Commission has called on the Albanian government to take immediate action to ensure compliance with EU environmental legislation, following widespread protests against a planned luxury resort linked to Affinity Partners, a firm associated with Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Guillaume Mercier, a spokesperson for the European Commission, emphasized the need for Albania to avoid actions that could impede its progress toward EU membership. “Albania must refrain from actions that could hinder the fulfillment of the final criteria for EU accession, and we expect the Albanian authorities to take necessary measures without delay. We maintain contact with the Albanian government on this issue,” he stated.
Previously, Brussels indicated that Albania could join the EU by 2030, contingent upon the complete alignment of its legislation with European standards, particularly in environmental protection.
In November 2025, the EU Council opened the final cluster in the accession negotiations for Albania, focusing on resources, agriculture, and cohesion.
Mass Protests and Government Response
On June 8, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama asserted that the government would continue with the resort’s construction despite environmental concerns raised by protesters. He claimed that Albania has a track record of protecting its natural heritage and that the European Commission should have no doubts about the government’s commitment to preserving natural areas.
Since May 30, thousands of citizens in Albania have participated in demonstrations demanding the cessation of the resort’s construction near the Vjosa-Narta protected area, a habitat for flamingos, sea turtles, and various bird species. Environmental activists have dubbed this movement the “Flamingo Revolution.”
In addition to environmental demands, protesters have raised political issues, calling for Prime Minister Rama’s resignation and accusing the government of catering to oligarchic interests.
Details on Kushner’s Project in Albania
The project is linked to Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump, who reportedly discovered the site while vacationing. The Albanian government hopes the resort will position the country within the premium tourism market. Rama has stated that investments will continue as long as he remains in power.
Kushner previously engaged in a similar project in Serbia, where in 2025, the parliament passed a special law for a related development in Belgrade. However, the Serbian prosecution later accused four officials of misconduct and document forgery, leading Kushner to withdraw from the investment.
According to reports, the Adriatic development consists of two parts: a complex in the Narta lagoon (a nature reserve) and a smaller resort on the uninhabited Sazan Island, a former military base from the communist era. Plans include the construction of hotels, apartments, villas, and a marina.
On June 2, Albania’s Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office froze the bank accounts of a company involved in the $4 billion resort project.
The European Commission has urged Albania to address environmental compliance issues amid protests against a luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner. Prime Minister Edi Rama has stated that construction will proceed despite public opposition, which includes calls for political accountability.
Source: Reuters