Balla: The Zvërnec project must go ahead, environmental standards will be guaranteed

Taulant Balla, chairman of the parliamentary group of the Socialist Party, said that the planned investment in Zvërnec must go ahead, describing it as important for the development of the country’s economy and tourism.

According to Balla, the necessary explanations about the project were provided during the discussion with members of the European Parliament. He stressed that the government would ensure compliance with environmental requirements, in line with the obligations related to integration into the European Union.

“We had a discussion on this issue and provided the necessary explanations regarding several guarantees. Investments of this kind are strategic and must be protected. The Zvërnec project is worth €4 billion, but its importance for tourism makes its rejection impossible. Saying no to such an investment would cause significant damage to the economy. The project must be carried out. The first phase concerns the purchase of the land, while the government will guarantee the preservation of environmental values within the framework of Chapter 27 of EU accession. Our goal is to conclude the negotiation process by Christmas 2027,” Balla said.

During his remarks, Balla also commented on developments in the justice system and SPAK investigations. He described these processes as the result of justice reform and called for the institutions to continue their work independently.

“We remain committed to our obligations. Another issue is the progress of justice reform. All these developments should be viewed as positive culminations of this reform. Corruption is present everywhere, including in Germany and Italy. What matters is that we now have institutions that investigate cases and pursue them to the end. My appeal is for SPAK and the justice system to act without interference,” Balla declared.