EU rejects amendment on Albania resort projects

The European Parliament has rejected an amendment on disputed resort projects in southern Albania while approving its annual report on the country.

The amendment called for a halt to new permits and construction in protected areas linked to the Vjosa-Narta ecosystem.

The projects include plans for Sazan Island and Zvërnec, which have sparked protests over their possible impact on protected coastal areas.

Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the vote, saying it showed EU lawmakers had rejected misinformation about the projects.

Rama said Vjosa-Narta would remain protected and that any development in Zvërnec would need an environmental assessment under EU standards.