TIRANA, July 1 /ATA/ – Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj told a delegation of European Parliament members on Wednesday that any potential development project in the Nartë–Zvërnec area, southern Albania, would be subject to a full environmental impact assessment in line with European Union standards, even though no formal proposal or construction permit has yet been submitted.
The delegation, comprising MEPs Tineke Strik, Daniel Freund, Cristina Guarda, Jutta Paulus and Anna Strolenberg, visited Tirana to gather information on a potential project in the sensitive coastal area.
Jaupaj said no final project proposal had been filed with the relevant authorities and no construction activity had begun, as no building permits had been issued.
He assured the MEPs that the Environment Ministry was closely monitoring developments and that any future proposal would be assessed in full compliance with Albanian law and EU environmental acquis.
According to Jaupaj, any submitted project would undergo a comprehensive environmental impact assessment based on high professional standards, with full transparency, public consultation and involvement of all competent institutions.
He stressed that biodiversity protection, natural habitats, protected species and the ecological integrity of the area would remain “non-negotiable priorities” throughout the process.
Jaupaj also reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to EU integration, noting that alignment with EU environmental standards under Chapter 27 on Environment and Climate Change requires full harmonisation of legislation and enforcement.
He said Albanian institutions would continue to act transparently and in line with both national and EU obligations, ensuring environmental protection and the public interest remain central to any decision-making process.
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