The European Commission is closely monitoring a high-end real estate project in Albania associated with Jared Kushner. It has expressed concerns that Albanian authorities must avoid actions that could undermine the fulfillment of criteria necessary for the closure of Chapter 27 concerning the environment and climate change. This warning has been communicated to Albania’s Minister of Environment, who has assured that construction activities have been halted and a comprehensive environmental impact assessment will be conducted in collaboration with civil society.
Recently, the European Commission emphasized that the controversial luxury real estate venture could pose significant challenges for Albania’s EU accession negotiations, particularly if it adversely affects environmental obligations outlined in Chapter 27. In a statement from Brussels, officials underscored the need for Albanian authorities to ensure compliance with standards relating to environmental protection and climate change.
In brief, the European Commission is particularly vigilant regarding developments in the protected Vjosa-Narta area, where this project is taking place. The Commission has already raised concerns with Albania’s Minister of Environment about potential deficiencies in the project. The Minister has committed to suspending construction and ensuring that a thorough environmental impact assessment is conducted with public consultation.
The Commission connects this matter directly to Chapter 27 of Albania’s EU accession negotiations, which pertains to environmental issues and climate change. Albania is required to align entirely with EU environmental legislation, including directives concerning birds and habitats, and must demonstrate its capability to protect future Natura 2000 sites.
A spokesperson for the Commission stated: „We are closely following developments in the protected landscape of Vjosa-Narta.” The spokesperson reiterated previous concerns communicated to Albania’s Minister of Environment, particularly regarding the potential environmental ramifications of the project.
It is worth noting that the luxury project has sparked protests in Albania, driven by worries about its risks to coastal areas and protected regions, alongside accusations of inadequate transparency and public consultation. The European Commission’s apprehensions are not new; past reports on Albania’s progress have already highlighted ongoing worries about the repeated extensions of the strategic investment law and their potential environmental impacts, especially in protected areas.
With respect to the EU accession process, the Commission has explicitly linked the real estate project to Chapter 27 on environmental matters. The spokesperson emphasized that for Albania to successfully close this chapter, it must fully comply with EU law in the environmental domain, which includes adhering to the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive.
Additionally, the Commission pointed out that Albania needs to repeal the strategic investment law enacted in 2015. For this chapter’s closure, it is also essential that Tirana demonstrates its ability to manage future Natura 2000 sites effectively, including implementing conservation measures to protect habitats and species.
The spokesperson stated, “Albania should refrain from actions that could undermine the fulfillment of closure criteria.” They further added that swift action from Albanian authorities is expected. When asked if the project is already considered a violation of Chapter 27, the spokesperson did not provide a definitive legal conclusion but stated that measures must be taken to protect the environment, hence the Commission’s expressed concerns.
Finally, while it remains unclear if discussions will escalate to the level of Prime Minister Edi Rama or involve direct European Commissioner intervention, the spokesperson noted that Brussels is already in contact with Albanian authorities and will continue these discussions. Regarding transparency and consultation, the Commission asserted that an environmental assessment must be conducted transparently, aligning with European expectations.
