Press Release – 22 May 2026
Bern Convention Bureau reiterates EU call for Albania to abandon the Skavica Hydropower Project and urges protection of the Black Drin Valley.
On 18 May 2026, the organisation “Opposition to Skavica Dam” was notified of the position of the Bureau of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention regarding Complaint No. 2023/1, concerning the proposed Skavica Hydropower Plant (HPP) on Albania’s Black Drin River.
In its assessment, the Bureau gave particular attention to the European Parliament Resolution of 9 July 2025, reiterating the European Union’s call on Albania to abandon the Skavica Hydropower Project due to its environmental and social impacts, as well as concerns related to the displacement of local communities. The Bureau stressed that these concerns remain part of an ongoing and broader debate, including within the context of Albania’s EU accession process.
The Bureau confirmed that the project remains at the feasibility and review stage, including the independent assessment of the preliminary Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report. It underlined that any decision to proceed with the project must be based on comprehensive technical and environmental studies, meaningful public consultations, and full transparency in the decision-making process.
The Bureau also expressed concern regarding potential impacts on the Balkan lynx, other protected species, and the Black Drin biocorridor, noting that these issues may not yet have been fully addressed in project documentation or ESIA scoping materials. It called for a comprehensive assessment of impacts on protected species, priority habitats, and the Emerald Network, as well as a review of alternative options to the Skavica project, taking into account the ecological value of the Black Drin Valley.
In addition, the Bureau requested that Albania submit updated Emerald Network site boundaries ahead of the forthcoming Bern Convention biogeographical seminar.
In its concluding remarks, the Bureau decided to keep the Skavica case under monitoring status, requesting updated progress reports from both the Albanian authorities and the complainants by autumn 2026, with the possibility of later escalation to a Possible File.
These developments come following the updated report submitted on January 16, 2026, by the organization “Opposition to Skavica Dam” (OSD), in cooperation with several international and local organizations, to the Secretariat of the Bern Convention..
The report warned that the Skavica project could cause irreversible environmental, social, and cultural damage, including the flooding of villages, displacement of local communities, and the destruction of ecosystems and biodiversity in the Black Drin Valley. It also raised concerns regarding threats to protected species and habitats, including the critically endangered Balkan lynx and endemic fish species protected under the Bern Convention and linked to the Emerald Network.
It further highlighted a lack of transparency and meaningful public participation in the decision-making process, warning that key decisions regarding dam size, flooding areas, financing arrangements, and resettlement plans risk being finalised before affected communities are properly consulted through the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process.
The report also identified financial risks, including escalating project costs, potential increases in electricity prices, and long-term economic burdens for Albania.
Contact: Ferzileta Gjika-Oppostion to Skavica Dam
WhatsApp: (001)212470-4590
Albanian: +355697686644
email: fgjika@gmail.com
Email: oppositionskavica@gmail.com
Published on 22 May 2026 by Opposition to Skavica Dam.
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