Kushner invests in the Balkans: controversies over development and sustainability.

In a context where mass tourism and rising prices in iconic destinations have led many investors to seek attractive alternatives, the Balkans emerge as a coveted region. Among the new players looking at this area is Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, who has announced an ambitious investment plan in Serbia and Albania. However, this multimillion-dollar venture has not been without controversy, as the history and culture of these nations are intertwined with the project. In Serbia's capital, Belgrade, Kushner intends to revive a dream that his father-in-law had expressed in the past. In 2016, during a meeting with Serbian leaders, Donald Trump showed interest in undertaking a large-scale real estate project in the region. This time, Kushner, through his company Affinity Global Partners, plans to transform a dilapidated military building into a complex that will include a luxury hotel, offices, shops, and a museum dedicated to Serbian history. This project, which will require an investment of approximately 462 million euros, has been agreed upon with the Serbian government, which is expected to receive 22% of the profits generated. However, the chosen site for this development carries significant historical weight. The building that Kushner intends to transform was once the headquarters of the Yugoslav Army's General Staff and was bombed during NATO's air campaign in 1999. This fact ignites tensions in a nation that still holds fresh memories of those conflicts. Political opposition has criticized the government's decision to grant exclusive rights to Kushner for a period of 99 years, arguing that this could pose a risk of corruption and abuse of power. From an economic perspective, some experts like Milan Kovacevic recognize the need for investment in Belgrade, driven by population growth and increased tourism. However, they warn about the importance of proper urban planning and transparent bidding processes. "Granting rights to a single investor could lead to irregularities," Kovacevic asserts, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and competitive approach. In Albania, Kushner has set his sights on the island of Sazan and the Zvërnec region, where he plans to build an eco-resort and luxury tourist complexes. This development has received the approval of the Albanian government, which has even passed laws to facilitate the construction of these projects in protected areas. However, this rapid legislation has raised alarms among environmental activists who warn about the negative impact it could have on the local ecosystem, the habitat of endangered species, and the region's biodiversity. Mirjam Topi, an ecology expert, emphasizes that the new regulations could lead to the destruction of a vital ecosystem and undermine conservation efforts. She denounces that the speed of these law approvals is linked to the interests of investors like Kushner, which raises questions about the integrity of environmental management in the country. Despite the criticism, Kushner has defended that his projects will generate significant benefits for local economies and will comply with all environmental standards. The Albanian tourism industry, represented by figures such as the president of the sector's employers' association, Besnik Vathi, has expressed that the arrival of investments could be positive, as long as they are directed towards the development of hotel infrastructure. On the other hand, the interpretation of what "benefit" means in this context varies among the involved parties. Vathi has pointed out that if investments focus on housing, they will not truly contribute to the growth of the tourism sector. Therefore, the true impact of these projects on local economies is still to be determined. With the appeal of affordable prices and captivating landscapes, the Balkans are on the radar of many investors. Kushner's arrival could open the door to a new chapter in the region, although it also raises questions about sustainability and ethics in investment. With such a complex and nuanced history, the path towards balanced development that benefits all stakeholders will be a challenge that requires constant attention and oversight. Undoubtedly, these decisions will have repercussions that go beyond the economic realm, affecting communities and their cultural identity.