The Adriatic Sea is the northern arm of the Mediterranean, separating Italy from the Balkan peninsula. It connects to the Ionian Sea via the Strait of Otranto and is integral to regional biodiversity, trade routes, and coastal economies.
Thousands of Albanians have protested daily after work began on a multi‑billion‑euro luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump that will span the Vjosa‑Narta protected wetlands and Sazan island. Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the investment, the state anti‑corruption body has opened an inquiry, and environmental groups have lodged legal complaints.
Thousands have been protesting nightly in Tirana and along Albania’s southern coast for more than a month against a multi‑billion‑euro resort project linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. Demonstrators have adopted flamingo symbols to oppose work inside the Vjosa‑Narta wetlands and on Sazan island and are demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation amid clashes with police.
Villagers in Zvernec and nearby areas have intensified protests against a multi-billion-euro luxury resort linked to Kushner and other international investors. Local land claims are in dispute, with government backing cited as allowing the project despite environmental and community concerns. Protests have included tearing down fencing and demanding compensation.
Two early‑season heatwaves have broken June temperature records across western Europe, pushing many locations above 40°C, triggering red alerts, disrupting transport and power, and causing dozens of deaths in France and other countries. Scientists have said human‑caused warming has made this event far more likely and night‑time temperatures have remained unusually high.
NATO leaders reaffirm an Article 5 commitment while European defence spending rises. Trump criticises allies over Iran war and defence budgets, threatening trade measures and debates over Greenland. Ukraine receives new aid and weapons deals are announced, but unity appears fragile as divisions persist.
Dua Lipa has voiced support for protests in Tirana over Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner–backed development on Sazan and Zvërnec. Protests have entered their sixth week, with critics urging transparency and environmental protections amid government backing of the project.