The European Commission has issued a warning to the Albanian authorities, stating that the country must refrain from actions that could jeopardize its European Union membership process, due to a controversial large-scale real estate project on the Adriatic coast linked to the family of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The project, valued at around €1.4 billion and associated with the investment firm “Affinity Partners” run by Jared Kushner, has sparked protests in Albania and reactions from Brussels, which has expressed concerns that the development may conflict with EU environmental standards.
European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said that Tirana should “act without delay” and avoid any steps that could call into question its compliance with EU rules, particularly under Chapter 27, which covers environmental protection.
He added that Brussels has already raised concerns with Albania’s Ministry of Environment regarding potential shortcomings in the project, while Albanian authorities have assured the EU that construction work has been temporarily suspended.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project, claiming that criticism of it is part of a “hybrid war” against Albania.
The project involves the development of protected areas, including the Narta Lagoon and Sazan Island, which has sparked strong opposition from environmental activists. Protests have been ongoing for days, with some demonstrators also calling for the government’s resignation.
At the same time, Albania’s anti-corruption body SPAK has launched an investigation into amendments to laws on strategic investments and protected areas, which enabled the project’s implementation.
