Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 9
EU Presses Albania Over Kushner Resort as 2030 Membership Goal Hinges on Environmental Compliance
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 9

EU Presses Albania Over Kushner Resort as 2030 Membership Goal Hinges on Environmental Compliance

3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 9

Summary

  • Brussels told Albania to act "without delay" to ensure the planned Kushner-backed Adriatic resort does not breach EU environmental rules, warning Tirana not to undermine accession benchmarks.
  • The European Commission said it is already in contact with Albanian authorities because compliance with EU law — including environmental standards — is required if Albania wants to join the 27-member bloc by 2030.
  • Edi Rama said the project will proceed despite protests, arguing Albania has protected wildlife and that an environmental impact assessment is still pending.
  • Thousands have protested in Tirana and on the southern coast, saying the resort threatens protected wetlands and migratory birds on a stretch of coast dubbed the Flamingo Revolution.

Insights

As bulldozers reportedly move in, can the 'Flamingo Revolution' save Albania's most vital wetlands?
Can Albania build a controversial resort on protected land and still successfully join the European Union?