EU warns Albania over Vjosa-Narta

Photo: Alice Taylor/POLITICO

After consecutive days of protests, the debate over Vjosa-Narta has reached European institutions.

According to an article published by Politico, the European Commission has urged Albania to avoid actions that could affect the European Union accession process, directly linking the situation to the environmental chapter in the accession negotiations.

The warning comes as protests against a tourism project linked to Jared Kushner's company enter their second week. Protesters are demanding the project's cancellation, arguing that it risks destroying a protected area.

What worries Brussels?

According to the European Commission, Albania must fully harmonize with European legislation on the protection of natural habitats and birds, as part of the obligations for the closure of Chapter 27, which relates to the environment and climate change.

A Commission spokesperson told Politico that Albanian authorities should act as soon as possible and avoid any steps that could undermine the fulfillment of these criteria.

According to the article, Brussels has also demanded the repeal of changes made to the law on protected areas and the termination of the law on strategic investments, which has long been criticized for the possibility it gives certain projects to proceed with accelerated procedures.

What does the government say?

According to Politico, the Minister of Environment, Sofjan Jaupaj, has informed the European Commission that construction of the project has not begun and that no construction permit has yet been approved.

The ministry has stated that the project will be subject to a full environmental impact assessment, which, according to it, will be conducted with transparency and public consultation.

On the other hand, environmental organizations continue to publish footage from the field, claiming that heavy machinery has encroached on the protected area.

Protests continue

Now dubbed the "Flamingo Revolution," the movement has gone beyond environmental organizations. Protests have been held not only in Albania, but also by Albanians in London, New York, Brussels, Berlin, Milan, Vienna, etc.

Meanwhile, SPAK has launched an investigation regarding the 2024 legal changes for protected areas and the status of land ownership in the area.

The issue now goes beyond a single investment and raises questions about how protected areas are treated in the face of projects considered strategic.