Members of the European Parliament have warned Albania that its European Union accession negotiations face significant risks if the government proceeds with a luxury real-estate venture backed by Jared Kushner.
The warning followed a fact-finding mission by EU lawmakers to the Balkan nation.
The proposed €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion) project aims to build a mega resort on Sazan Island and develop the ecologically fragile Zvërnec peninsula.
The plans have triggered widespread domestic protests, dubbed the "flamingo revolution," demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Albania aims to join the 27-member bloc by 2030, with Rama targeting December 2027 to finalize negotiations.
However, the European Parliament issued a resolution calling for an immediate halt to construction in protected zones and the withdrawal of laws favoring predatory strategic investors.
EU Lawmakers Express Concerns
"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,’" said Tineke Strik, the Dutch MEP leading the delegation.
Strik noted that approximately 92 percent of Albanian citizens support EU membership, making it the most popular national policy since the fall of communism.
She emphasized that building large-scale commercial real estate in wildlife safe zones directly threatens compliance with EU environmental benchmarks.
"If they go ahead, they’ll have a big problem with the EU during the negotiations – especially on chapter 27 where they have to meet all the benchmarks of EU environmental policies," said Strik.
The MEP stated that preliminary work on the Zvërnec peninsula has already destroyed forests and ancient dunes.
She expressed deep concern regarding transparency and allegations of corruption surrounding the issuance of permits by local authorities.
"I left today’s meeting with the impression that they intend to continue with this project before they have to be aligned with EU law and this, of course, is not a way of loyal cooperation," said Strik.
Albanian Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj reportedly implied that the project works would continue until full alignment with EU law becomes legally mandatory.
Strik rejected this approach and confirmed she will ask the European Commission to intervene directly.
"I come away with the feeling that the Albanian people really want to become members of the EU, in fact they already feel they belong there," said Strik.
The daily demonstrations have expanded from environmental complaints into a broader movement demanding stricter rule of law and a functioning democracy.
EU lawmakers reaffirmed their strong support for the Albanian public while criticizing the government's lack of accountability.
"What I am not so sure about is whether the government of Albania is taking at all seriously the concerns of the Albanian people, of us [MEPs] and the European Commission – which is why I have called on it to change course and take its citizens seriously," said Strik.
