Overview
- Preparatory works and private security at protected Vjosa‑Narta sites late last month sparked local clashes that have grown into nightly protests and a large rally on June 20 that drew thousands and members of the diaspora.
- Albania’s anti‑corruption prosecutor SPAK has opened an investigation into the deals behind the project and ordered seizure of about $147.1 million in assets tied to local land contracts.
- Environmental groups say the multi‑billion‑euro plan threatens the Vjosa‑Narta landscape and nearby Sazan Island, which host flamingos, monk seals and sea‑turtle nesting sites, and they cite on‑site bulldozing, fencing and habitat damage.
- Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the investment, citing roughly $4–4.6 billion in projected value, said final permits and in‑depth environmental reviews remain pending, and has accused foreign actors of stoking unrest.
- The European institutions have warned the projects could breach EU environmental benchmarks relevant to Albania’s accession, creating legal and reputational risks for developers and raising the prospect the controversy could affect Albania’s EU bid.