MEP Sandro Gozi (Renew) has raised concerns over a major real estate project in Albania's Vjosa-Narta protected lagoon, questioning its compatibility with EU accession requirements on rule of law, transparency, and environmental protection. The project, linked to foreign investors with preferential access, has sparked 24 consecutive days of peaceful protests and is under investigation by Albania's Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK).
The written parliamentary question, submitted on 23 June 2026, asks the European Commission to assess the developments against Albania's obligations under the 'fundamentals' cluster of negotiating chapters and the Copenhagen criteria. Gozi specifically queries whether Albania's 2024 amendments to its Law on Protected Areas and the ongoing works in Vjosa-Narta comply with the EU environmental acquis and Chapter 27 benchmarks.
The MEP also presses the Commission on what actions it will take to ensure transparent decision-making, sound environmental assessments with effective public participation, and respect for the right to peaceful protest. The Commission has previously indicated it is monitoring the situation and urged Albania to safeguard progress under Chapter 27.
Gozi's question targets the balance between economic development and EU accession commitments, highlighting potential trade-offs between investor interests and environmental protection. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal the EU's stance on Albania's rule of law and environmental governance during accession negotiations.