Pop star Dua Lipa has joined a growing chorus of critics opposing a luxury real estate development project in Albania linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. The project, which includes plans for a resort on the protected island of Sazan and thousands of villas on the Zvërnec peninsula, faces intense scrutiny over environmental concerns and the bypassing of public consultation processes, according to reports from The Guardian and international media.
Environmental Concerns and Regulatory Bypass
The proposed development targets Albania’s only island, Sazan, and the Zvërnec peninsula—both of which are recognized as vital nature reserves. According to environmental groups, these areas host critical ecosystems, serving as essential habitats for rare species and migratory birds in the Adriatic Sea. Critics argue that the project threatens to permanently alter these fragile environments.
Dua Lipa, who has Kosovar-Albanian heritage, addressed the project in a conversation with academic and author Lea Ypi on the Service95 Book Club podcast. Lipa expressed concern regarding the government’s decision to modify environmental protection laws to facilitate the development without a public hearing. “What I actually find worrying is the principle that the government could just change the law to remove environmental protection without any form of public consultation,” Lipa stated.
Did you know?
Sazan Island is Albania’s only island.
Protests and Public Sentiment
The development has triggered six weeks of sustained protests across Albania. Aleksander Trajce, leader of the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), noted the significance of high-profile figures speaking out. Trajce told The Guardian that Lipa’s public stance serves as a “powerful statement” that has resonated deeply with younger Albanians who view her as an idol.
While the developers describe the proposed site as a “massive” and beautiful vacation destination, local activists maintain that the scale of the construction—which includes up to 10,000 villas—would cause irreparable damage to the region’s ecological integrity.
EU Membership Stakes
The controversy carries significant political weight as Albania pursues European Union membership. The country has expressed a goal to join the EU by 2030, but the current development path faces friction with Brussels. Members of the European Parliament have warned that the country’s accession negotiations could be jeopardized if national and international environmental standards are not strictly upheld.
When tracking international development projects, monitor the European Commission’s progress reports on candidate countries, as these documents often highlight specific environmental compliance gaps that can stall membership bids.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is behind the Albania development project?
The project is backed by American investors, including Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. - Why are environmentalists concerned?
Sazan and Zvërnec are protected nature reserves. Critics argue the project will destroy vital ecosystems and that the government bypassed public hearings to enable the construction. - Could this affect Albania’s EU bid?
Yes. EU parliamentarians have warned that failing to meet environmental standards could negatively impact Albania’s goal of joining the union by 2030.
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