Albania’s unique Vjosa Delta is under immense pressure. Recent developments show that, despite its protected status, infrastructure projects are currently being pushed through on a massive scale, which could irreversibly destroy one of Europe’s most valuable coastal ecosystems. This also contravenes the conditions for Albania’s accession to the EU.
On 17 June, the European Parliament adopted its annual report on Albania’s progress towards EU accession. In doing so, the European Parliament emphasised more clearly than ever before just how crucial nature conservation is and that compliance with EU standards must be ensured throughout the accession process.
Press release of Albanian 18 NGOs, including PPNEA, Ecoalbania, Lumi, AOS
Environmental Civil Society Organizations Boycott Ministry of Environment Consultation Processes Until the Repeal of Amendments to the Protected Areas Law
Tiranë, 12 June 2026, Environmental Civil Society Organizations express their clear position that they cannot participate in consultation processes organized by the Ministry of Environment as long as Law No. 21/2024 amending the Protected Areas Law remains in force. This law has opened the way for developments and interventions in areas that should have the highest level of environmental protection in the country.
Following sustained national and international protests, construction work at the Vjosa Delta was suspended, and the construction fence was taken down.
06/07/2026
As part of the EU accession negotiations, the European Commission is urging the Albanian government to strictly adhere to European nature conservation standards. It has warned that the current construction work in the Vjosa Delta could jeopardise the closure of Environment Chapter 27. Albania should act immediately and reverse the 2024 amendments to the Law on Protected Areas, amongst other things. (Source: POLITICO)
A fateful change in the law
The map shows the current construction work in the Vjosa Delta on the Albanian coast. Also visible: the runway of the future Vlora Airport (centre of the image)
EuroNatur is monitoring the current situation in the Vjosa Delta with great concern. Whilst the construction of Vlora Airport has been encroaching on the protected area and destroying valuable natural habitats for years, a second phase of large-scale environmental destruction is now beginning in the Vjosa Delta: bulldozers are clearing coastal forests, levelling dunes and opening up previously untouched habitats. And all this for luxury resorts. These are now to be built on the Zvërnec peninsula. Explore the interactive map on Google maps.
In 2024, Albania changed its Law on Protected Areas, which weakened important safeguards. This opened the door for large infrastructure projects, including luxury tourism, within protected areas. In fact, the government has promised to reverse these changes by the end of 2027 under EU accession benchmarks. It was also agreed that all projects would be planned and implemented in accordance with EU Environmental Impact Assessment requirements.
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Together with our Albanian partner organisation PPNEA (Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania) and Riverwatch, we have been working tirelessly for many years to protect the Vjosa Delta. Our joint efforts have helped to raise public awareness of the ecological importance of this region and to monitor political processes critically.
Our work in the Vjosa Delta is characterised by close collaboration with local stakeholders, scientific expertise and international networking. Together with PPNEA, we document the impacts of construction projects, advocate for effective protection status and contribute our expertise to national and European decision-making processes, because one thing is clear: In our view, what is currently happening in the Narta Lagoon is unlawful, as the construction work is taking place without any publicly disclosed permits and without an environmental impact assessment. In this regard, we also expect the European Union to take a clear stance. So far, only a few members of parliament have commented on the current developments in Albania.
Agreements made with the EU are being trampled underfoot by the Albanian government. The EU must now urgently increase pressure on the government in Tirana to ensure that the destruction of nature in one of Europe’s most important natural areas is stopped immediately.
Gabriel Schwaderer, EuroNatur Executive Director
A clear stance: non-violence and dialogue
In light of the escalating situation on the ground, we are receiving reports of growing tensions. EuroNatur’s position is clear: we call on all those involved to engage in non-violent resistance and to act with restraint. At the same time, we condemn all forms of violence – regardless of which side it may come from.
Sustainable nature conservation and environmental protection can only succeed through dialogue and on the basis of the rule of law. Intimidation, escalation and violence endanger not only people, but also the chances of finding constructive solutions.
The beauty and vulnerability of the Vjosa Delta
Act now: ensure the protection of the Narta Lagoon
Current developments make it clear that the protection of the Narta Lagoon must be urgently strengthened. We demand:
an immediate halt to all construction projects threatening nature in and around the lagoon
consistent compliance with national and international conservation obligations
transparent decision-making processes involving civil society
long-term strategies for the conservation of the entire Vjosa Delta
EuroNatur, together with PPNEA, will continue to do everything in its power to protect this unique natural area.
Demonstrations have been taking place daily in Albania since the end of May;they now go by the name “Flamingo Revolution” and their activities extend far beyond mere nature conservation. The images provide a good insight into the dimension of the protests:
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