We, the members of JEF Albania and Young European Federalists from all across the continent, are committed to a democratic and sustainable Europe. Therefore, we reject the proposed luxury resort development in the Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape. Large-scale protests have erupted in Albania against this major €4 billion tourism investment project led by foreign investors linked to Trumps’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The Vjosa-Narta landscape is a vital European wetland ecosystem recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, including habitats for flamingos, pelicans, sea turtles, Mediterranean seals, and numerous migratory birds.

 

The Albanian government has supported the initiative, citing economic benefits such as job creation and high-end tourism revenue. However, critics point to amendments made to the Law on Protected Areas that facilitated such developments, the erection of fences restricting public beach access, reports of clashes with private security, and concerns over transparency, potential irregularities in permitting, and insufficient public consultation. This has sparked widespread outrage under slogans such as “Hands off Vjosa-Narta,” highlighting tensions between short-term economic gains and long-term environmental and social costs.

 

The protests have united environmental organizations, local residents, and civil society. Young people have been at the forefront, bringing energy, creativity, and determination to the streets and online campaigns. As the generation that will inherit Albania’s future, many Albanians have rejected these developments that prioritize elite foreign projects over public goods, biodiversity, and democratic accountability. Albanian youth are now demonstrating that they are not passive observers but active defenders of our natural heritage and democratic future. 

 

Impact on EU Accession

 

This controversy has direct implications for Albania’s EU accession process. Having opened all negotiation chapters with an aim for membership around 2030, Albania must demonstrate full alignment with European standards. The project risks undermining:

 

• Environmental standards (particularly the Chapter on Environment and Climate) as EU accession requires robust protection of sensitive ecosystems equivalent to Natura 2000 sites. Irreversible damage to protected wetlands could delay chapter closure and weaken credibility.
• The Rule of law and fundamental rights (Chapters 23 and 24) as issues of transparency, public participation, land rights (including those of local and minority communities), and protest handling raise questions about democratic governance and anti-corruption efforts.

 

Our position is clear and rooted in our federalist, pro-European values. We strongly support responsible foreign investment and economic growth that benefits all Albanian citizens. However, we firmly oppose any projects that sacrifice protected natural areas, erode public trust, or compromise EU accession criteria. True European integration means embedding sustainability, transparency, and youth voice at the heart of decision-making. We believe a federal Europe must protect its shared natural commons and ensure candidate countries meet the highest benchmarks, not weaken them.

 

Our Calls to Action

 

We urge the Albanian government to immediately conduct transparent and inclusive environmental impact assessments with full public access, and explore alternative green tourism models that respect biodiversity and local communities.

 

We appeal to European institutions to prioritize genuine reform over superficial progress in Albania’s accession talks, ensuring youth and civil society voices are heard.

 

We invite all young Europeans to stand in solidarity with Albanian youth defending a sustainable European future.

 

Albania’s path to Europe must be built on solid foundations of democracy, sustainability, and shared prosperity. JEF Albania together with the whole movement remains committed to this vision and will continue to mobilize young people to shape a better European future