TIRANA — Protests continued across Albania this week against plans for a luxury resort development on the country’s Adriatic coastline, with demonstrators citing environmental concerns, land ownership disputes and a lack of transparency surrounding the project, according to protesters, government officials and court filings.
The development, backed by investors including Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, is planned for the coastal area near Zvërnec and the nearby island of Sazan, close to the protected Vjosa-Narta wetland ecosystem. Demonstrations have been ongoing since early June and have drawn thousands of participants in the capital, Tirana, and in affected coastal communities.
On Friday, local residents and activists gathered again in northwestern and southern Albania to oppose what they described as encroachment on environmentally sensitive areas and disputed private land. In one recent protest, demonstrators dismantled fencing erected around a development site, while police monitored the action. No major injuries were reported.
Environmental groups argue that large-scale tourism construction could affect habitats used by flamingos, sea turtles and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. Protesters have carried banners reading “Albania is not for sale” and called for authorities to halt the project pending further review.
“This is about protecting our coast and our future,” protesters said during demonstrations in Tirana, according to Reuters reporting from the events.
The controversy has expanded beyond environmental issues. Villagers in the Zvërnec area have said portions of the land included in the development are subject to unresolved ownership claims dating back to the communist era. Several residents have filed legal challenges, arguing they were not compensated for land they say belongs to their families. Details of those claims remain before Albanian authorities and courts.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project, saying it will attract investment, create jobs and help develop Albania’s tourism sector. In comments to Reuters earlier this month, Rama said the government would proceed with the development while maintaining environmental safeguards. Developers have also stated that they intend to advance the project responsibly and in accordance with applicable regulations.
The dispute has become one of the most visible public protests in Albania this year and has prompted scrutiny from environmental organizations and opposition groups. Authorities have also examined issues related to land ownership and regulatory decisions connected to the project, though officials have released limited details on ongoing reviews.
As of Wednesday, demonstrations were continuing, and neither the government nor project developers had indicated plans to suspend the development. Legal challenges and administrative reviews related to the project remain unresolved.
