Key facts
- Pop star Dua Lipa has publicly supported protests in Albania against a large real estate development.
- The project is backed by investors including Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.
- Protests are ongoing due to concerns over environmental protection and alleged lack of public consultation.
- Albania's parliament controversially amended environmental protection laws to allow construction in sensitive areas.
- MEPs have warned that environmental standards could impact Albania's EU accession talks.
Pop star Dua Lipa has voiced support for ongoing protests in Albania against a large real estate development backed by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. The demonstrations, now in their 45th day, are centered on environmental concerns and alleged governmental transparency issues.
Lipa, speaking on her Service95 Book Club podcast, described the civic unrest as "inspiring" and expressed concern over the Albanian parliament's decision to amend stringent environmental protection laws in December 2024, which allowed for construction in sensitive areas without public consultation. The project, valued at €1.6bn (£0.85bn), plans for extensive construction on Sazan island and along the Zvërnec peninsula, both considered vital nature reserves.
Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the development as a significant investment and a "gift to Europe." However, European Parliament members have warned that upholding environmental standards is crucial for Albania's EU accession talks, which the country hopes to achieve by 2030. Conservation groups have welcomed Lipa's intervention, noting its potential to inspire younger Albanians. Developers, meanwhile, state their commitment to responsible stewardship and community benefits.