The European Commission has issued a strong warning to Albania over a project to build in Zvërnec. The response comes as protests against the construction of a luxury resort in the Vjosa-Narta protected area have entered their second week, while Brussels has expressed concerns that the plan may not comply with European environmental protection standards, a key element in Albania's integration process into the European Union.
Responding to a question from Euronews , European Commission spokesman Guillaume Mercier said Albania should “refrain from actions that could undermine the fulfilment of the criteria” for membership. He referred in particular to Chapter 27 of the negotiations, which deals with the environment and climate change. According to him, Albanian authorities should act without delay to avoid any obstacles on the path to the EU.
The Commission has said it has raised its concerns with the Minister of the Environment, Sofjan Jaupaj, about the potential shortcomings of the project. According to Brussels, the minister has assured that work has not started and that the project remains suspended. On the other hand, Albanian authorities insist that a final project has not yet been presented and that any potential development will be subject to a full environmental impact assessment.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama has publicly defended the project. In an interview with Euronews , he stated that opposition to the investment is part of what he called a “hybrid war,” accusing opponents of using environmental concerns for other political ends.
The project envisages tourist developments in two areas: the Narta lagoon, known for its biodiversity, and the uninhabited island of Sazan. The investment is led by Affinity Partners, a company linked to Jared Kushner, which has been granted special status under Albania's strategic investment law. This law has been criticized for years by Brussels, as the EU says it creates opportunities for preferential treatment and a lack of transparency.
The pink flamingo, one of the symbolic species of the Vjosa-Narta area, has become the emblem of the protests. Protesters have demanded the cancellation of the project, while also calling for the resignation of the prime minister.
Brussels' concerns are not new. In its 2025 progress report, the European Commission raised questions about changes to the law on Protected Areas, warning that they could weaken the protection of the country's most sensitive ecosystems. It also criticized changes to the law on strategic investments, which grant special incentives to projects worth over 50 million euros.
The matter is also being investigated by SPAK, which is reviewing the legal changes that affected the status of protected areas during 2024. The investigation is expected to clarify whether legal procedures and environmental protection standards were respected.
