Albania assures EU Kushner-linked project will meet green standards

June 16, 2026 - 05:12

Albania has assured the European Union that a 1.4 billion euro project connected to Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law, will adhere to EU environmental standards. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos stated on Monday that the Albanian government has given formal guarantees regarding the development's green credentials.

The project, which involves luxury resorts and tourism infrastructure along the country's pristine coastline, has drawn scrutiny from environmental groups and EU officials concerned about potential ecological damage. Commissioner Kos noted that the assurances came during recent talks between EU representatives and Albanian authorities.

This commitment is seen as crucial for Albania's EU accession process, as environmental compliance remains a key benchmark for candidate countries. The development, backed by Kushner's investment firm, has been a point of contention, with critics arguing it could set a precedent for unchecked construction in protected areas.

Albanian officials have emphasized that the project will undergo rigorous environmental impact assessments and will incorporate sustainable building practices. The government has also pledged to maintain transparency throughout the approval and construction phases.

The EU's endorsement of these assurances could help ease tensions between Brussels and Tirana over the project, which has become a symbol of the challenges facing Balkan nations as they balance economic development with environmental protection on their path toward European integration.