Albania's bid for European Union membership hangs precariously in the balance as Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) raise concerns over a £1.2bn luxury resort, backed by Jared Kushner and targeting protected coastlines and wildlife zones in southern Albania. Tineke Strik, Dutch MEP heading an EU fact-finding mission to Albania, has warned that Prime Minister Edi Rama's government is playing with fire by pursuing the development, which she believes would cause irreparable damage to pristine coastal areas.
Strik's comments come as Albania, one of Europe's poorest nations, strives to join the 27-member bloc by 2030 – a goal supported by an overwhelming 92% of its citizens. The European Parliament has already expressed disapproval, passing a resolution last month that called for an immediate halt to construction in protected areas and demanded the withdrawal of legislation enabling 'predatory capitalists' to secure permits as strategic investors in sensitive regions.
The works already undertaken on Zvërnec peninsula, including destruction of forests and ancient dunes, along with the construction of a 7km gravel road, were cited by Strik as clear violations of EU directives. During her four-day visit, which included tours of development sites, she reiterated that proceeding with the project would create "a big problem" during negotiations – particularly on chapter 27, where Albania must meet all environmental policy benchmarks.
Strik also raised concerns over allegations of corruption surrounding construction permit issuance and land sales in Zvërnec, highlighting the need for greater transparency. Her comments come amid a wave of public unrest dubbed the "flamingo revolution," with citizens actively protesting against the development and demanding accountability from their government.
The widespread opposition underscores the Albanian populace's deep commitment to EU integration and the perceived threat that the Kushner-backed resort poses to this national objective. As accession talks loom, Prime Minister Rama will face increasing pressure to reconsider the project, or risk jeopardising Albania's chances of joining the European Union.