Albania’s ambitions to join the European Union have come under renewed scrutiny as controversy grows around a planned luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. The development, reportedly valued at more than €4 billion, is planned for the country’s southern coast and has triggered protests, property disputes and an anti-corruption investigation involving land ownership and environmental concerns.
The debate centres on the protected Vjosa-Narta coastal landscape near Vlorë, an area known for its biodiversity and importance as a habitat for flamingoes, sea turtles and other wildlife.
Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) has confirmed that it has opened an investigation related to the project, while critics argue that large-scale development could conflict with the country’s environmental commitments as it advances towards EU membership.
Speaking during a visit by European Council President António Costa to Tirana, Prime Minister Edi Rama firmly defended the investment, describing it as part of Albania’s strategy to attract high-end tourism and economic growth. Costa avoided commenting directly on the project but stressed that EU accession requires not only adopting European legislation but also fully implementing environmental and rule-of-law standards. The issue has also drawn attention from neighbouring Greece, which has called for the protection of property rights belonging to members of Albania’s Greek minority, describing the matter as relevant to Albania’s European integration process.
