Albania faces EU, NATO scrutiny and domestic criticism of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s governance

Albania’s government under Prime Minister Edi Rama is under heightened scrutiny from both European and NATO institutions. A European Parliament mission raised concerns about an American‑backed coastal tourism project linked to Jared Kushner, questioning its environmental impact, procedural transparency and compliance with EU standards. The European Commission reiterated that Albania must fully align its environmental and rule‑of‑law legislation to continue its EU accession talks. At the same time, Reuters reported that the draft NATO summit communiqué does not yet confirm Tirana as the host for the next summit, citing U.S. concerns over NATO defence‑spending gaps and doubts among allies about Albania’s defence investment levels. The Albanian government responded by pledging to raise defence and security spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2026.

Domestically, large‑scale protests have erupted, the longest in three decades, while the second edition of the Bread and Heart architecture festival showcased the 800‑page volume “The Albanian Files,” documenting over 500 projects by international firms. The publication, and interviews with architects, suggest that Rama’s administration uses high‑profile architecture projects as a political tool, with some designers reporting direct personal contacts with the prime minister to secure contracts. Critics argue this reflects a broader pattern of leveraging cultural prestige to bolster an image of a modern, outward‑looking Albania while sidestepping transparent public tender processes.