The “Flamingo Revolution” has become one of Albania’s most prominent environmental civic movements, driven by concerns over legislative changes that weaken protections for protected areas and enable large-scale tourism and infrastructure developments. Led by environmental organisations and supported by citizens nationwide, the campaign has focused on safeguarding the Vjosa-Narta Protected Area, one of the Mediterranean’s most important habitats for flamingos and migratory birds. The movement has brought environmental protection, transparency, public participation and government accountability to the centre of public debate. Reflecting these concerns, the European Parliament, in its resolution on the 2025 European Commission Report on Albania, called on the authorities to repeal the 2024 amendments to the Law on Protected Areas, introduce a moratorium on new developments and align national legislation with EU nature protection standards. The resolution reinforces the importance of environmental protection, the rule of law and meaningful public participation in Albania’s EU accession process. Read more here.
Source: BirdLife International