Luksuzno letovišče Jareda Kushnerja lahko ogrozi vstop Albanije v EU

In Tirane, Albania, violent clashes erupted between police and protesters on July 2, 2026, during a demonstration against a tourism project linked to the Trump family. The confrontation took place near the Albanian parliament and was part of a growing wave of protests that have been ongoing for several weeks. Protesters are demanding the cancellation of plans to build a resort complex on the uninhabited island of Sazan and the nearby coastal town of Zvernec, which are associated with Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner. According to reports, the project threatens the protected coastal area of Vjosa-Narta, home to numerous species including flamingos, turtles, and sea horses.

The protests intensified after two days of demonstrations held earlier in the week, where protesters threw eggs at the cars of MPs, and the police arrested six individuals. On the day of the clashes, the police used tear gas and water cannons to block the protesters' path, leading to confrontations as some demonstrators attempted to break through the police line. According to police statements, nine officers were injured due to objects thrown by the protesters, and several participants in the protest were detained.

The construction plans for the airport were first presented in 2024, and the latest wave of protests began towards the end of May when barbed wire and construction machinery appeared on the beaches. This escalation marks a departure from previous mostly peaceful protests, which had attracted thousands of participants. Despite the unrest, Prime Minister Edi Rama remains committed to the project, stating in June that investors would soon amaze the public with their plans.

Jared Kushner's investment fund, Affinity Partners, has planned a villa and hotel complex worth approximately €1.4 billion on the uninhabited island of Sazan, with around 10,000 hotel rooms. A separate project also involves building luxury hotels in Zvernec, located near the protected coastal area of Vjosa-Narta. These developments have sparked significant controversy, particularly concerning environmental concerns and the potential impact on the region’s unique ecosystems.

The European Parliament has warned that continuing the construction of the luxury airport supported by American investor Jared Kushner could seriously jeopardize Albania's accession negotiations with the European Union. Dutch European MP Tineke Strik led a four-day fact-finding mission to Albania and emphasized that the government is playing with fire by persisting with the project, as it would cause irreversible environmental damage. She noted that the construction on previously untouched coastal areas contradicts European environmental directives and could hinder the country's progress toward EU membership.

Strik highlighted that under Article 27 of the accession negotiations, candidate countries must meet all European environmental standards. The construction on protected areas might become a major obstacle to continuing the negotiations. The European Parliament recently passed a resolution supporting the protesters and calling for an immediate halt to all construction activities on protected areas. Additionally, they requested the repeal of legislation allowing strategic investors to obtain permits for construction on areas of high ecological value, arguing that such regulations open the door to opaque investments and undermine the protection of natural heritage.

During her visit, Strik spoke with Albania's environment minister, Sofjan Jaupaj, and expressed doubts about the government's preparedness. She criticized the government's approach of causing further damage before checking whether they are ready to comply with European standards, calling it unacceptable cooperation with the European Union.

Meanwhile, the movement known as the "flamingo revolution" has grown beyond environmental issues and has become a symbol of broader dissatisfaction with the government's performance. It started with environmental groups but expanded rapidly after an incident involving private security guards detaining a protester and handing him over to the police. Analysts suggest this incident acted as a spark that gained momentum on social media. The protest has now included the Albanian diaspora and has acquired symbolic significance, reflecting widespread discontent with Prime Minister Edi Rama's leadership.

The protests have continued daily, with demands for greater transparency in decision-making, respect for the rule of law, and the resignation of the prime minister. The situation highlights deepening tensions between the government and its citizens, raising questions about the future direction of Albania's political landscape and its aspirations for European integration. As the conflict escalates, the international community will likely continue to monitor the situation closely, especially given the implications for both environmental conservation and Albania's EU accession prospects.