The European Parliament warned Albania that Jared Kushner's tourism project, also known as 'Ivanka Trump Island', threatens accession negotiations, calling proceeding with it 'playing with fire' amid popular protests demanding its halt.

The head of the European fact-finding mission to Albania, Tineke Strik, described moving forward with the €1.4 billion project as 'playing with fire', warning that real estate development in pristine coastal areas would cause massive environmental damage, especially in the Zvërnec peninsula and Sazan Island, which are environmentally protected.

Strik told the Guardian: 'If Prime Minister Edi Rama is truly serious about his European ambitions, he must immediately backtrack from this path and tell the Trump clan: "Sorry, the European Union is my first priority."'

Flamingo Revolution

These developments come amid unprecedented popular protests in Albania, dubbed the 'Flamingo Revolution', with thousands taking to the streets demanding the cancellation of the project and the resignation of the Prime Minister, amid accusations of lack of transparency and corruption in granting construction permits.

Opinion polls show unprecedented popular support for EU membership, estimated at 92%, the highest level since the fall of communism three decades ago.

Rama had pledged to conclude accession negotiations by December 2027, a deadline described by European officials as ambitious, though they welcomed it.

However, the European Parliament expressed concern last month and issued a resolution calling for an immediate halt to construction in protected areas and the withdrawal of legislation granting 'predatory capitalists' the status of strategic investor in wildlife reserves.

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Strik emphasized that the preparatory works already carried out, which included destruction of forests and sand dunes and road construction, constitute a clear violation of EU environmental laws, especially regarding Chapter 27 of the accession negotiations.

At the end of her four-day visit, Strik expressed admiration for 'the Albanian people's commitment to European values,' but expressed disappointment with the remarks of the Environment Minister, who hinted at continuing work until the country is bound by EU laws, calling it 'not a spirit of loyal cooperation.'

She also affirmed that the European Commission will follow up firmly with the Albanian government, which appears to face a real test between its people's desire to join Europe and controversial investment projects.