Affinity Partners backed a €1.4 billion luxury tourism plan on Albania's Sazan Island, turning part of the Adriatic site into a resort with hotels, villas, apartments and a marina.
Environmental groups and local campaigners say the project threatens sensitive ecosystems and lacks transparency over investors' role, driving protests across the country.
Jared Kushner's involvement has intensified scrutiny because he is both Donald Trump's son-in-law and, since February 2026, the White House special envoy for peace.
Kushner, a former senior adviser in Trump's first term, founded Affinity Partners after leaving government in 2021; the firm later drew attention for backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
Amid protests and an EU warning, what are the ultimate consequences for Kushner's controversial Balkan investments?
How does a US envoy's Saudi-funded resort in Albania avoid impacting his official diplomatic duties?
Can a €1.4 billion luxury resort be built on protected Albanian land without causing irreversible environmental damage?
Albania at a Crossroads: The Sazan-Vjosa Narta Resort Protests, Environmental Risks, and EU Future
Overview
In June 2026, Albania faces major public unrest as widespread protests erupt against a luxury resort project near the protected Vjosa-Narta area, linked to Jared Kushner. The crisis began in late May when the project site was enclosed with barbed wire and pre-construction started, sparking demonstrations that quickly escalated into clashes with private security. Public anger spread from the site to the capital, highlighting deep concerns over environmental risks, lack of transparency, and exclusion of local communities. This controversy puts Albania’s development ambitions at odds with ecological protection and democratic values, raising questions about its future direction.