The European Parliament (EP) has adopted a resolution on Albania, calling on the country to immediately impose a moratorium on new permits and construction activities in protected areas. Meanwhile, a separate amendment that specifically mentioned a development project linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Donald Trump, was rejected.
The final version approved by the Parliament does not mention any specific project. Instead, it focuses on the protection of environmentally sensitive areas and comes amid ongoing protests in Albania against construction works related to a resort project in the protected Pishë Poro–Nartë area, where concerns have been raised about environmental damage and land ownership issues.
The EP expressed “serious concern” over recent developments in Albania’s protected areas, stating that they demonstrate the practical consequences of legal amendments affecting protected zones and the risks posed to ecologically valuable areas.
The resolution also noted the ongoing peaceful protests related to these developments and urged Albanian authorities to immediately suspend all new permits, construction works, and development interventions within protected areas until a comprehensive and independent environmental and legal assessment is carried out.
In addition, the Parliament called for the repeal of the 2024 amendments to Albania’s Law on Protected Areas.
According to the resolution:
“The repeal of the 2024 amendments to the Law on Protected Areas is requested, as they allow large-scale tourism infrastructure development within protected areas and transfer significant governance and decision-making powers to the National Territorial Council, thereby weakening environmental oversight.”
Just days earlier, the European Commission expressed concern that the planned project in Pishë Poro–Nartë could have environmental impacts inconsistent with Albania’s EU accession process.
Over the past two weeks, protests have taken place in Tirana, Vlorë, and other cities against the resort development project in the protected area. Protesters are demanding the cancellation of the project in Zvërnec and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office (SPAK) is currently investigating land sale contracts related to the project site.
Reactions
Prime Minister Edi Rama described the amendment as confirmation of strong European support for Albania’s EU integration process and insisted that the Vjosë-Nartë ecosystem will be protected.
On the other hand, protest organizers viewed the vote as a victory for environmental protection.
Environmental organizations including BirdLife Europe and PPNEA welcomed the decision.
Albania’s EU Path
The resolution also expressed concern over the extension of Albania’s Strategic Investments Law, arguing that it enables accelerated permitting procedures and weaker environmental scrutiny.
At the same time, the EP acknowledged Albania’s progress toward EU membership while stressing the need for stronger implementation of reforms in:
- Rule of law
- Anti-corruption measures
- Democratic institutions
- Electoral reform
- Property registration
- Reducing the informal economy
The Parliament also urged both the government and opposition to carry out comprehensive electoral reforms in line with recommendations from ODIHR and the Venice Commission.
Albania became an EU candidate country in 2014 and opened accession negotiations in 2022. The government aims to conclude negotiations by 2027 and join the European Union by 2030.
