Eric Adams Granted Albanian Citizenship, Sparks Global Attention
Eric Adams Granted Albanian Citizenship, Sparks Global Attention
Former NYC mayor Eric Adams becomes Albanian citizen by presidential decree, signaling deeper cross-border ties with Tirana.
Former New York City mayor Eric Adams has been granted Albanian citizenship and a passport by a presidential decree, as recorded in Albania’s official government journal and confirmed by a spokesperson. The decree, dated and signed by President Bajram Begaj, states: 'I decree granting citizenship … upon … Eric Leroy Adams.' The entry enters immediately into force and will be published in the official gazette.
Adams, who visited Albania for four days in October during his final months in office, has long expressed admiration for the country. In Tirana, he praised the capital’s progress and indicated a willingness to strengthen cooperation in tourism and technology. He also spoke of a direct flight from New York to Albania as a goal, underscoring his interest in expanding cross-Atlantic links.
The former NYPD captain led New York City from January 2022 through the end of 2025. His tenure was shadowed by a federal corruption case that was dismissed after an extraordinary intervention from the administration of a former U.S. president. Adams sought an independent bid for his party’s nomination before ultimately backing former Governor Andrew Cuomo and later criticizing the progressive nominee Zohran Mamdani.
Adams has framed his Albanian citizenship as part of a broader view of himself as a 'citizen of the world.' Official Albania coverage notes his affection for the country in recent years and his favorable remarks about Tirana's trajectory. The decree grants him citizenship immediately and ties to ongoing discussions about people-to-people links, travel, and business between New York and Albania.
