Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to the European Parliament amendment, clarifying that it is not related to Zvërnec or the protected Pishë Poro–Nartë landscape, but rather to the protected Nartë–Vjosa area, where, according to him, the government shares the same position as Members of the European Parliament.
“The approved amendment has nothing to do with Zvërnec, namely the protected Pishë Poro–Nartë landscape, but explicitly concerns the protected Nartë–Vjosa area, where the government fully shares the same position as the European parliamentarians,” Rama wrote.
In his reaction, Rama also criticized public commentary surrounding the decision, describing it as a deliberate misinterpretation of the facts.
He stated that the approved amendment does not represent a “victory” for any side and added that the amendment that was rejected was not part of the final decision.
According to Rama, the issue concerns a technical process and official documentation, rather than interpretations circulating on social media, and is related to protected areas and compliance with European Union standards.
He further emphasized that the review of the law on protected areas is part of Albania’s EU negotiation agenda and will undergo an analytical process with the European Commission to identify any inconsistencies with EU standards.
At the end of his statement, Rama mocked political debates and public interpretations, describing them as part of “digital hysteria” and misinformation spread through social media.
Rama’s Full Statement
“Some noisy commentators who thought the sea had suddenly turned into yogurt for their rusty spoons are telling the flamingos that yesterday’s European Parliament resolution is supposedly their first victory. In reality, the flamingos had already secured their victory before the protests even began, although they do not want to see it because they are enjoying their beautiful parade down the boulevard among crows, ravens, and loudmouths. As long as the Socialist Party and I are in charge, environmental protection and development in harmony with nature in environmentally sensitive areas will remain an unquestionable priority.
As for this so-called ‘first victory,’ they have been misinformed by the crows and ravens, because the amendment representing that ‘victory’ was rejected, while the amendment that was approved has absolutely nothing to do with Zvërnec, namely the protected Pishë Poro–Nartë landscape. It explicitly concerns the protected Nartë–Vjosa area, where the government fully shares the same position as the European parliamentarians.
This is not a play on words involving place names. It is the factual truth arising from official technical documentation, not from social media channels.
Regarding the review of amendments to the law on protected areas, European parliamentarians will be informed that this process is part of the accession negotiations agenda and, as such, will first undergo an analytical review with the Commission, during which we will identify any points that do not comply with EU standards and criteria.
That being said, a review of the concept of ‘victory’ would especially help public figures who have fallen out of political relevance, as well as those inflated by Botox-like doses of likes and followers, so that after enthusiastically fueling digital hysteria, they can prepare for a less painful awakening from the end of their imaginary revolution.”
It is worth recalling that on Wednesday, the European Parliament adopted its 2025 report resolution on Albania, a significant part of which focuses on interventions in protected areas.
The Parliament expressed “deep regret” over the extension of the Strategic Investments Law, arguing that it reduces environmental oversight.
The document cites criticism from the European Commission regarding a large-scale luxury development project—referring to Sazan Island—which threatens habitats of protected species such as flamingos, monk seals, and sea turtles. The European Parliament reiterated that compliance with EU environmental regulations is a prerequisite for membership.
The resolution calls for the immediate introduction of a moratorium on all new permits and construction activities within protected areas until the 2024 amendments to the Law on Protected Areas are repealed.
The European Parliament also demands that all projects undergo comprehensive environmental impact assessments and transparent consultations with scientists and civil society organizations.
The post Rama Responds to European Parliament Amendment: It Is Not About Zvërnec but About Nartë–Vjosa appeared first on Euronews Albania.
