Incidents in Albania: The background to the conflict between the Greek minority and Trump's son-in-law over the resort

At the center is the investment linked to D. Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as the reactions of residents, environmental organizations and Greek expatriates who express concerns about the future of the region.

The events of recent days do not concern a classic dispute over a tourism investment. The case combines issues of environmental protection, property rights of Albanian citizens of Greek origin and the debate on state borders to attract large foreign investments, gradually acquiring international dimensions due to the involvement of the son-in-law of the American President.

The area where the protests took place is near the Narta Lagoon and Zvernec, north of Vlora. The area in question does not formally belong to the Greek National Minority Recognition Zone, however, in the wider area there are properties of Greek expatriates, mainly families of Vlach origin, who have maintained land and economic activity in the area for decades. Part of the current reactions is linked to the concerns of these owners about the future of their properties, as they express fears that the promotion of the large-scale tourist project may lead to the loss or encroachment of properties that they consider to have belonged to them for generations.

Changes in the protection status of Narta and new tourism investments in Albania

The case has its roots several years ago. In 2021, the Albanian government revised the protection regime of the Narta region, a region of high environmental value, reducing the size of the protected area that protected the area's fauna and flora. The decision was made without much publicity at the time, but environmental organizations argue that it was the first step in preparing for major investments in the area.

New legislative interventions followed in 2024, which facilitated the licensing of strategic tourism investments, even in areas that were previously considered particularly environmentally sensitive. Edi Rama's government presented the changes as part of a broader strategy to attract foreign capital and develop high-end tourism.

Mammoth Investment in Albania: Kushner’s Plan for Sazan and Narta

The same year, Jared Kushner announced his intention to invest in Albania through his company Affinity Partners. The plans involved two flagship projects: the development of tourism on the island of Sazan and the creation of a luxury resort in the Zvernec-Narta region. According to what has been presented from time to time, the plan envisages high-end hotel units, villas and extensive tourist infrastructure that could transform the region into a new luxury tourism destination on the Adriatic.

The announcement was greeted with enthusiasm by circles that believe that Albania needs large international investments to strengthen its economy and attract high-income visitors. Supporters of the project believe that the project will create jobs, strengthen local businesses and improve the country's overall image in international markets.

At the same time, however, a strong front of reactions began to form. Environmental organizations and scientists were at the forefront, with a prominent presence of biologist and ornithologist Johnny Vorpsi. Organizations such as the Albanian Ornithological Society and the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania argue that the Narta Lagoon is one of the most important ecosystems in the Balkans, a critical stopover for migratory birds, flamingos and pelicans.

Why residents revolted over the new major project on the Adriatic
The Greek diaspora in the region gradually joined the front of reactions, who, in addition to environmental reservations, express concerns about the land ownership regime and the possibility of being faced with a loss of property rights in the context of broader development.

In their view, extensive tourist development may irreparably change the character of the area. Critics of the plan warn that the natural areas are in danger of being transformed into a zone of luxury construction, altering one of the last relatively untouched coastal landscapes of the Adriatic.

Gradually, the confrontation also acquired a political dimension. Organizations, journalists and researchers raised questions about the way the project was licensed, claiming that there were opaque procedures, contradictory responses from government agencies and incomplete disclosure of data regarding the investment. Critics of the Rama government argued that the project enjoyed special political support from Tirana, which reinforced suspicions of preferential treatment.

Tensions have escalated in recent months. Since spring 2026, residents of the area began to publish photos and videos of work that, as they claimed, were related to the preparation of the project. Trucks, construction equipment, gravel and road constructions have given rise to new complaints, as opponents of the project argued that there were still open questions about the licensing regime.

Scene of tension over the investment - Fears of loss of property

For many of the Greeks and Greek-speaking people participating in the protests, the issue is not limited to the environmental dimension. They argue that the development of the investment could create faits accomplis in areas where they own property and express fears that, if the project proceeds without full clarification of the property status, they risk losing property rights that they have held for decades.

The issue was further complicated when local services and competent bodies allegedly gave different interpretations regarding the legality of specific works. Critics of the project argued that the investment was progressing faster than the control procedures, while the other side responded that all necessary approvals are in progress and that the works are being carried out in accordance with the law.

Clashes during protests at a construction site - Greek-Albanian relations under the microscope

It was in this climate that the incidents of Saturday took place, when groups of protesters attempted to prevent works in the area. Among them were environmental activists, local residents and Greek expatriates who are reacting to the development of the project. The situation got out of control, resulting in clashes and injuries, while Athens is now closely monitoring developments.

The harsh statement by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the incidents also gave the case a clear bilateral dimension. The issue no longer concerns exclusively a local confrontation over an investment, but also touches on broader Greek-Albanian relations, as Athens links the protection of the rights and property of the expatriates with the obligations arising from Albania's European path.

Zvernets: The major investment that divides Albania

Despite the international dimension that the case has taken on due to the involvement of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, the essence of the confrontation remains the conflict between two different perceptions of the future of the region. On one side are those who believe that the investment represents a historic opportunity for economic development for Albania and specifically for the Vlora region. On the other, there are those who fear that the price of development will be the loss of a unique natural landscape and the creation of new disputes over local properties.

What is certain is that Zvernets has evolved into one of the most controversial investment fronts in the Balkans, where economic development, environmental protection, property rights and political balances collide in a way that hardly leaves room for easy solutions.