Albania should avoid any actions that might stop them from meeting the final goals in their EU membership process. A European Commission spokesperson said they expect the Albanian government to take action quickly.
Albania wants to join the EU by 2030, and they hope to finish the talks by the end of 2027.
A big project led by Kushner, worth billions of dollars, has caused massive protests across Albania.
Large groups of people have been marching in the streets, asking their government to stop the development. It turns out that Kushner’s connection to the president is widely disliked around the world.
This project, which includes a $1.4 billion plan to build on an island and a $4.7 billion plan for a protected coastal area, threatens the habitat of important animals like flamingos and turtles.
The protests have been humorously called the “Flamingo Revolution.” Because of the danger to wildlife, the EU is warning that Albania could break their environmental rules if they allow the project to go ahead.
The EU spokesperson said that during the EU membership process, part of the final steps for the environment and climate change chapter requires Albania to follow EU laws closely, including the Birds and the Habitats Directives.
They asked Albania to undo changes to the Law on Protected Areas and to cancel a law on strategic investments.
The spokesperson told POLITICO that Albania’s Environment Minister, Sofjan Jaupaj, has told the EU that the construction project has been stopped.
A complete environmental impact study will now be done.
The spokesperson also added that they had already shared their worries with the environment minister about the possible problems with the project.
The best choice for Albania is clear.
Kushner’s development is not popular, and it’s meant to create another place for rich people, predators, and war criminals. It doesn’t help the Albanian people. On the other hand, joining the EU could bring better economic opportunities for everyone in the country.
If Albania has to choose between the two, they have no choice but to reject Kushner.
About the Author
