As Albania’s EU accession talks advance, Brussels is putting pressure on Tirana to align its environmental legislation with European standards. What was once largely a domestic dispute over coastal development now has implications for the country’s membership ambitions.

This week, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged Prime Minister Edi Rama to repeal controversial laws enabling large-scale tourism projects in protected areas. But while Rama promised legislative changes, he insisted the disputed Zvernec resort project would continue. Meanwhile, the ruling majority has blocked opposition efforts to repeal the laws, raising doubts over whether the government’s promises will translate into action.

Read more: EU Pressure Mounts Over Albania’s Environment Laws, But MPs Block Repeal Efforts (July 17, 2026)