Albanian court halts hydropower projects on Shushica River – Victory for the Vjosa Wild River National Park and civil society

On 11 December 2024, a court in Tirana finally ended the threat of hydropower plants on the Shushica - one of the main tributaries of the Vjosa and part of the Vjosa Wild River National Park. In this ruling, prompted by NGOs EcoAlbania and Impetus alongside 28 local residents, the court annulled the concessions for the planned four hydropower plants. It marks a major victory for the river, the national park, and civil society.

For years, the Shushica River has been under considerable pressure. While the hydropower threat has now been averted, the government’s plans to divert water from the Shushica to supply the Mediterranean coast for mass tourism remain a pressing concern. These plans persist despite the river's designation as part of a protected national park and opposition from local communities.

The court’s December 11 decision was not only a victory for the Shushica but also a success for civil society and the national park. The judges explicitly emphasised the importance of civil society for the protection of nature and the value of the national park. This decision could prove pivotal as the battle continues: on January 21, 2025, the Shushica will return to court, this time regarding the contested water diversion project.

Read EcoAlbania's press release about the newest ruling below:

Tirana, December 11, 2024 The legal battle opposing the construction of four hydropower plants on the Shushica River - one of the main tributaries of the Vjosa Wild River National Park, was concluded with victory today. The Tirana First Instance Administrative Court ruled in favor of 28 residents from the Shushica Valley and the organizations EcoAlbania and Impetus, who contested the approval of the contract and environmental permit issued by the National Environmental Agency (NAE) and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy (MIE) to "Shushica Hydropower” company.

“All the residents of the Shushica Valley and the Vjosa National Park have triumphed with this decision. Justice for the protection of our river from hydropower plants was delayed, but fortunately, it came still in time and in our favor,” said Sotir Zahoaliaj, a resident of Brataj, Shushica.

“After nearly three years, our hard work and dedication as a campaign team and our lawyers, was finally rewarded. Our ongoing efforts to protect the Vjosa and its tributaries from these destructive projects were confirmed by the court too. We hope the authorities will reflect on this decision—especially now that the Vjosa has been declared a National Park—and choose not to appeal it,” said Besjana Guri from EcoAlbania.

In today’s ruling, following requests from the defendants to question the legitimation of the plaintiffs and dismiss the case, the court decided:

1. Recognition of Legitimation:
• The residents of the area were deemed legitimate not only due to their local interests but also for their moral and emotional rights, even if residing outside the affected area, given the status of the river as part of a national park.
• EcoAlbania was recognized not only for its formal environmental interests but also for its active engagement and contribution to environmental matters of national importance.
• Impetus was acknowledged as a legitimate organization due to its mission aligning with the subject of the lawsuit and its active role in environmental advocacy.
2. Project Cancellation:
• The court found the plaintiffs' claims and legal arguments well-founded and annulled not only the environmental impact decision issued by NAE but also the concession contract approved by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy in 2017. This contract had allocated the use of the Shushica River's waters for energy production for 35 years.

“This ruling is a significant victory for the Shushica and Vjosa River, as well as for Albanian jurisprudence. The Court affirmed the standing of local residents and environmental organizations, recognizing their material, spiritual, and cultural interests. It upheld the arguments for annulling the concession contract with 'Shushica Hydropower,' marking progress in allowing public challenges to administrative contracts. Beyond judicial implications, the decision ensures the Shushica River remains protected from hydropower development”, concluded the lawyer Irena Dule, from Res Publica Center, which has been representing the case alongside attorney Dorian Matlija.