NEW YORK CITY — Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that he had become a citizen of Albania. Adams received honorary Albanian citizenship at his request through an official decree issued by Albanian President Bajram Begaj, making Adams a dual citizen of the United States and the southeastern European nation.

The journal entry signed by Begaj decreed the granting of citizenship to Eric Leroy Adams. The decree entered into force immediately upon its signing and was subsequently published in the official government gazette. In addition to the citizenship itself, Adams obtained an Albanian passport through the special presidential decree from Begaj.

"The decision by the Republic of Albania to grant Mayor Adams citizenship reflects that enduring relationship and mutual respect," said Todd Shapiro, a spokesperson for Adams. Shapiro said that Adams had long been a friend and ally of the Albanian-American community in New York City and beyond.

The citizenship announcement followed a four-day trip that Adams took to Albania in October during his final months as mayor of New York City. After dropping his bid for reelection, Adams traveled to the country and met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, members of Rama's Cabinet, and local business leaders during the visit. The Albanian government funded part of the four-day trip.

During the October visit, Adams and Rama discussed stronger collaboration between New York City and Albania in the areas of tourism and technology. Adams said at the time that he would champion establishing a direct flight route from New York to Albania, a move he suggested could strengthen ties between the two places. "You're seeing a thriving community and city moving in the right direction," Adams said of Albania during his visit.

Adams, who served as mayor of New York City from the start of 2022 through the end of 2025, had previously described himself as an "international mayor." His connections to Albania extended beyond the political sphere. His adult son lived in Albania while competing in the Albanian version of "American Idol," further deepening the family's ties to the country.