Albania's Kushner‑backed resort threatens EU accession

A European Parliament delegation warned the Albanian government that continuing the luxury resort project backed by U.S. investor Jared Kushner could jeopardize Albania’s EU accession talks. The plan – valued at about €1.4 billion – would build a high‑end tourist complex on the protected Sazan island and the Zvërnec peninsula, areas noted for fragile ecosystems. Dutch MEP Tineke Strik said the government was “playing with fire,” urging Prime Minister Edi Rama to tell the Trump clan that EU integration is the priority. EU legislators called for an immediate halt to construction and the repeal of a law allowing “strategic investors” special permits. The proposal has sparked mass protests dubbed the “Flamingo Revolution,” with tens of thousands marching in Tirana demanding transparency, rule of law and the prime minister’s resignation. Albania aims to finish accession negotiations by the end of 2027, but the project risks breaching Chapter 27 on the environment, potentially delaying the process.