EU warns Albania: Kushner-backed resort project jeopardises accession talks
MEPs have warned Albania that its EU accession talks are at risk if the government continues to support a luxury resort project backed by Jared Kushner, which is destroying protected coastline.
MEPs have warned Albania that its path to European Union membership could be jeopardised if the government does not change course on a luxury resort project backed by Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Dutch MEP Tineke Strik, leading a European Parliament fact-finding mission to the Balkan nation, said Albania's leadership was "playing with fire" by pursuing the €1.4bn real-estate venture, which she said would wreak havoc on virgin coastline.
Opposition to the project has spurred a wave of unprecedented unrest known as the "flamingo revolution," with mounting calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation. "If Rama is really serious about his EU ambitions, he should step back from this trajectory and say to the Trump clan: 'Sorry, the EU is my first priority,'" Strik said. "They're playing with fire," she added, noting the process dear to Albanians is being endangered.
An estimated 92% of Albanians support EU membership. Rama, who won an historic fourth term last year, has vowed to get Albania into the bloc by 2030. However, that timeline could be in jeopardy if he insists on pressing ahead with the Kushner-backed project, which includes a mega resort on Sazan island and construction along the pristine shoreline of the Zvërnec peninsula.
In a resolution last month, MEPs endorsed the protesters and called for an immediate halt to construction in protected zones. They also demanded the withdrawal of legislation that allowed "predatory capitalists" to obtain permits as strategic investors in ecologically unique areas.
Strik, speaking after a four-day trip that included visits to the development sites, said works already carried out on the Zvërnec peninsula—including destruction of forests, ancient dunes, and a 7km gravel road—had caused considerable damage and violated EU directives. She expressed alarm that Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj had implied works would continue until Albania is obliged to comply with EU standards. Strik also voiced concern over alleged corruption in the issuance of construction permits and land sales in Zvërnec. She called on the European Commission to follow up strongly with the Albanian government.
