Albania Zvernec Tourism Project Protests (June 2026)

The Zvernec Tourism Project protests refer to demonstrations that began in 2026 against a planned tourism investment in the Zvernec area of Vlora, Albania, which has been alleged to be linked to Ivanka Trump, daughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner. The project, which is intended to be carried out in environmentally protected coastal areas, has sparked nationwide debates due to its environmental impacts and the process of selling the land.

At the center of the controversy is the allocation of a coastal area in the Zvernec region, affiliated with the city of Vlora, to investors under a large-scale tourism project. Reports in Albanian media and international outlets have suggested a connection between the project and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. The project’s estimated cost is approximately four billion dollars. The Albanian government, however, has defended the investment as a source of economic benefit for the country.

The primary objection raised by opponents of the project concerns its environmental impact. The area where the tourism facility is planned lies within the Vjosa-Narta Protected Area.

The Vjosa-Narta Protected Area is recognized as one of the most important natural habitats along the Adriatic Sea coast. It is home to 248 bird species including flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans, approximately 100 fish species, and 770 plant species. The area supports more than 2,300 living species and is considered one of Albania’s most significant conservation zones. Environmental organizations and protesters argue that the proposed investment could cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem.

Anti-project demonstrations began on 30 May 2026. The protests first emerged in the Zvernec region and later moved to the capital, Tirana.

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Thousands of people have organized various protest actions opposing the allocation of the coastline to investors under the project. Slogans such as “Albania is not for sale” and “Albania belongs to us” have been used during the demonstrations. Protesters have argued that construction activities must not be permitted in protected areas.

Tensions have occasionally arisen between security forces and protesters during the demonstrations.

On 30 May, clashes occurred between demonstrators and private security personnel assigned to protect the Zvernec project site. During the incidents, pepper spray used by security personnel affected both protesters and police units present in the area.

Following the events, the security company announced that some of its employees had been removed from duty.

On the fourth day of the protests, Albanian police used water cannons against demonstrators in Tirana. During the same demonstrations, slogans opposing Israel and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were also raised.

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In the following days, Tirana became the focal point of the protests. Demonstrators gathered at Skanderbeg Square and the Boulevard of the Nation’s Martyrs and marched toward the Prime Minister’s Office.

On the seventh day of the protests, thousands gathered again in Tirana to continue their demonstrations. During the same period, Albanians living in Milan, Italy, held solidarity demonstrations in support of protecting the project areas.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project, asserting that it has proceeded in full compliance with all legal and environmental procedures. In an interview with CNN, Rama denied allegations linking the project to the Trump family.

The Prime Minister also claimed that Albania is the target of a “hybrid war” and accused certain circles competing in the tourism sector of supporting anti-investment campaigns.

In a statement on the seventh day of the protests, Rama claimed that approximately 2,000 people participated, calling it the lowest turnout so far, while the highest participation reached 8,000 people.

As the controversy over the project intensified, it was reported that Albania’s Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) had launched an investigation. Albanian media indicated that the probe covers both the sale process of the land and the procedures related to the tourism investment. SPAK has not disclosed details of the investigation to the public.

A report published by the Greek-based Greekcitytimes suggested that the company developing the project is considering withdrawing from Albania due to the intense public backlash.

The report claimed that investors are exploring alternative investment locations in other Balkan countries. It also stated that Greece is offering various investment incentives to attract similar high-profile projects in regions such as the island of Mykonos.

As of June 2026, protests against the Zvernec Tourism Project continue. Demonstrators oppose tourism investment in protected areas, while the government maintains that the project has followed all legal procedures. As the Special Prosecution investigation proceeds, allegations that the project developer is reviewing its operations in Albania remain a subject of public debate.