Albania has promised that a project worth around 1.4 billion euros, linked to the son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump, will meet European Union environmental standards, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said on Monday.
The Albanian government has given guarantees to the European Commission that the controversial project, linked to Jared Kushner, will be in compliance with environmental legislation, according to statements by Commissioner Kos.
“We have received assurances from the Albanian government that a full environmental impact assessment will be carried out and that European environmental standards will be respected,” Kos said at a press conference.
Albania is currently one of the main candidate countries for EU membership and is considered among the most advanced in the process, after Montenegro.
However, to complete membership, Tirana must fully harmonize its legal framework with that of the EU, including environmental protection standards.
The luxury tourism project, worth over 1.4 billion euros, has sparked protests in recent weeks in Albania. It is set to be developed in a highly ecologically sensitive area along the Adriatic coast.
Last week, following concerns expressed by the European Commission, the Commission’s enlargement spokesman, Guillaume Mercier, warned that Albanian authorities must “act without delay” to avoid jeopardizing the EU integration process.
These statements were met with reactions from Tirana, as they were interpreted as a preliminary assessment, while the environmental assessment process is still in development.
For its part, Kos maintained a more balanced tone, also emphasizing the right to protest as a fundamental freedom in the EU and for candidate countries.
“What is happening as Albania is in the accession process is important. This process is legally and politically binding and subject to continuous review and evaluation. This provides the strongest guarantee that Albania’s nature and environment will be protected according to European standards,” she said.
In the annual progress report for candidate countries, the Commission had raised concerns about a legal change adopted in February 2025, which provides for exemptions for investments over 50 million euros.
This change would also include the project of the Kushner-backed Affinity Partners company, which has received special access from Albanian authorities.
“As for foreign investments, they are important for every candidate country and for member states. For us, it is not only their origin that matters, but whether they are implemented in accordance with EU legislation,” Kos added