Luxury tourism boom meets crumbling services: Albania’s protests shake its EU path

08 Jun 2026, 12:44 by https://euobserver.com/author/eriseld-zeneli/ · EUobserver

The catalyst for this latest wave of protests is Albania’s planned construction of luxury mega-resorts in pristine ecological zones – notably one being pushed by businessman Jared Kushner (r) (Source: Kremlin/Wikimedia)

Opinion

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By Eriseld Zeneli,
Brussels
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In recent days, the streets of Tirana have once again been filled with demonstrators. But this time, the echoes of dissent have travelled far beyond the western Balkans, sparking solidarity rallies among the Albanian diaspora in European hubs like Milan and Brussels.

What began as a localised environmental movement against high-end tourism development in protected areas has rapidly transformed into a much broader, transnational conversation about governance, rule of law, and the tangible fruits of Albania’s European integration.

The catalyst for this latest wave of protests is the planned construction of luxury mega-resorts in pristine ecological zones, most notably on Sazan Island and within the Pishë Poro–Narta protected landscape — projects drawing heavy international investment, including from high-profile figures like businessman Jared Kushner.

Environmentalists and civic groups argue that these multi-million-dollar deals lack transparency and risk irreparably damaging Europe’s unique biodiversity.

However, looking at these protests solely through an ecological lens misses the bigger picture.

Over the past decade, Albania has undergone undeniable modernisation, implemented crucial judicial reforms, and elevated its international standing.

Yet, the current unrest exposes a widening gap between macroscopic economic success and the daily realities of ordinary citizens.

For many, the focus on five-star luxury serves as a stark reminder of unfulfilled basic needs.

The situation beyond Tirana

Protestors are pointing to deep structural divides. While the capital undergoes a skyline revolution, rural areas still suffer from inadequate road networks and unreliable access to 24-hour electricity and running water.

The public healthcare system remains underfunded, frequently plagued by shortages of basic medicines.

Crucially, the demonstrations have put a spotlight on the corrosive nature of petty corruption — where citizens complain of having to offer informal cash payments to doctors just to receive basic medical attention, or facing everyday extortion due to a lack of transparency within law enforcement.

When the government appears to dismiss these grievances with institutional aloofness, it only fuels the perception that the political elite is disconnected from the public’s struggles.

As Albania navigates its EU accession path, Brussels is watching closely. In response to the escalating tension over the Pishë Poro–Narta developments, the EU Commission recently clarified its position through a dedicated ‘line to take’ (LTT).

The EU has confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation and has already expressed formal concerns to the Albanian minister of the environment regarding the project’s potential shortcomings.

While the Albanian government has committed to suspending construction works until a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is conducted in consultation with civil society, the EU notes that the project is also subject to ongoing investigations by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK), which reportedly extends beyond environmental anxieties.

And what the EU accession rules say…

For Brussels, the systemic issue lies in the legislative framework.

The EU has reiterated that the repeated extension of Albania’s law on strategic investments raises continuous concerns regarding environmental degradation, particularly in protected areas.

In fact, aligning with EU standards is not optional; it is a prerequisite for accession. To close Chapter 27 (Environment and Climate Change), Albania is explicitly expected to fully align with EU legislation — including the Birds and Habitats Directives — repeal incompatible amendments to its law on Protected Areas, and completely terminate the 2015 legislation on strategic investments.

Furthermore, Tirana must prove its capacity to manage future Natura 2000 sites to prevent the deterioration of habitats.

The European Commission’s message to Tirana is clear: Albania must refrain from any actions that could undermine the fulfilment of these closing benchmarks, and European authorities expect a swift, compliant response without delay.

The protests in Tirana, Milan, and Brussels are a sign of a mature civil society demanding that economic growth no longer comes at the expense of environmental heritage or basic public services.

For Albania to successfully cross the finish line of EU integration, its leadership must bridge the gap between grand infrastructure projects and the foundational needs of its people, proving that rule of law applies equally to strategic international investors and everyday citizens.

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