European Union officials issued a stern warning to Albania on Tuesday, demanding the country follow environmental regulations if it hopes to join the bloc, amid controversy over a high-profile resort development.
The warning from a European Commission spokesperson comes as Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama announced his government would continue supporting a luxury resort project backed by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, despite growing environmental opposition.
The development, planned for a remote coastal area in the Balkans, has triggered demonstrations known as the “Flamingo Revolution” – named for the migratory birds that use the coastline as a stopping point during their journeys. These protests have expanded into wider criticism of Rama’s 13-year leadership.
The European Union, which includes 27 member nations, has indicated it might accept new countries like Montenegro, Albania and Ukraine by 2030, contingent on their compliance with EU regulations, particularly environmental standards.
“Albania should refrain from action that could undermine the fulfilment of the closing benchmark, and we expect the Albanian authorities to act without delay,” stated spokesman Guillaume Mercier.
He further noted, “We are in contact with the Albanian authorities on this issue.”
Despite facing a week of demonstrations both in the capital Tirana and along the southern coastline where the resort is proposed, Rama dismissed environmental worries and promised an environmental impact study would be conducted.
“We are very proud of what we have done for the wildlife in Albania. The European Commission has no reason to doubt our firm will to protect whatever has to be protected when it comes to wildlife and nature,” he stated.
Kushner’s Affinity Partners company, which plans to construct the resort, has not responded to requests for comment from Reuters.
