OPINION / Albania would be much different if Sabile Risha had studied to be a tractor driver...

 Kliko këtu për të tjera
Voxpress:

European Commission warning: Zvërnec project could affect Albania's path to the EU

2026-06-08 18:11:52Aktualitet SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

The European Commission has expressed concern that the planned project in the Pishë Poro–Nartë protected area may have environmental impacts that conflict with the accession negotiation process between Albania and the European Union.

In recent days, protests have been held in Albania against construction work for a resort in Zvërnec, near Vlora, amid concerns about the environmental impact and disputes over land ownership.

European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier has drawn attention to the fact that, in the EU accession process, as part of the final standards for the negotiation of Chapter 27 on environment and climate change, Albania is expected to fully adapt to the European bloc's legislation in this field.

This, according to him, includes the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives, the repeal of incompatible provisions adopted through amendments to the Law on Protected Areas, as well as the repeal of the 2015 legislation on strategic investments.

"In addition, to close Chapter 27, Albania must demonstrate its capacity to manage future Natura 2000 sites [the EU's network of protected natural areas], including conservation measures that prevent the deterioration of habitats and species. Albania must refrain from actions that could undermine the fulfilment of the closure standards," spokesman Mercier said in a written response to Radio Free Europe (RFE/RL).

Chapter 27 of the EU accession negotiations covers the environment and climate. It promotes sustainable development and environmental protection for present and future generations. This chapter is based on preventive action, the “polluter pays” principle, combating environmental damage at source, shared responsibility and the integration of environmental protection into other EU policies.

Chapter 27 includes more than 200 important legal acts covering horizontal legislation, water and air quality, waste management, nature protection, industrial pollution control and risk management, chemicals and genetically modified organisms, noise, forestry, and climate change.

Albania has opened all chapters of accession negotiations with the European Union and ranks second among candidate countries in terms of progress towards membership.

EU member states adopted in May the report on the Assessment of the Fulfillment of Provisional Criteria in the area of ??the rule of law, a necessary step to advance towards the provisional closure of the negotiation chapters.

However, European officials claim that the concerns expressed are not new.

"As already highlighted in our last Enlargement Report, the extension of the law on strategic investments continues to raise concerns regarding potential environmental impacts, particularly in protected areas," said the European Commission spokesperson.

The official also confirmed that similar concerns have been expressed by Albania's Ministry of Tourism and Environment regarding the project's potential shortcomings. According to Mercier, the ministry has informed European interlocutors that construction works have been suspended and that a Full Environmental Impact Assessment will be carried out for the project, in consultation with civil society.

Meanwhile, the Media and Information Agency, under the Albanian Government, has confirmed that on this issue on May 26, during an online meeting with EC representatives, the Albanian Minister of Environment, Sofjan Jaupaj, informed that there is no final approved project and there is no project under construction.

"The Minister stressed Albania's commitment to ensuring that every potential development project is subject to a full environmental impact assessment, conducted in full transparency and in consultation with the public. Albania remains committed to the EU accession process," the Albanian Government said.

Meanwhile, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sunday evening that the debates and concerns raised about the projects in Zvërnec and Sazan are “exaggerated” and “unfounded.” He said such initiatives are important for the country’s economic development and will become “examples of national pride,” helping, according to him, Albania’s integration into the EU.

The Poro-Narta Pine Zone is a protected environment and is considered one of the most important habitats in Albania for waterfowl and migratory birds, including flamingos.

The works are related to plans previously announced by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. In March 2024, Kushner announced his intention to build hotels and hundreds of villas in the Zvërnec area. ( REL_


Në përputhje me standarded JTI

Video

SHIKO KANALIN NE YOUTUBE
×