Former NYC Mayor Eric Adams receives Albanian citizenship

Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News on Apr 10, 2026

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NEW YORK — Former Mayor Eric Adams, who has made no secret of his love for international travel, has been granted Albanian citizenship by the country’s president.

The special decree making it official was signed by Albanian President Bajram Begaj on Friday.

“Granting Albanian citizenship, upon his request, to the citizen: Eric L. Leroy Adams,” the document, signed by the country’s president, Bajram Begaj, reads in Albanian.

The ex-mayor’s spokesperson said that the citizenship “further strengthens the bond between New York and Albania.”

“The decision by the Republic of Albania to grant Mayor Adams citizenship reflects that enduring relationship and mutual respect,” Todd Shapiro, a spokesperson for Adams, said in a statement, adding that other leaders around the world have also received honorary dual citizenships. Shapiro pointed to Boris Johnson, the former mayor of London, who was born in the U.S. and therefore has dual citizenship, as an example.

Shapiro said Adams does not have plans to move to the country.

Adams previously jetted off to the Balkan nation in October 2025, after dropping his bid for a second term the week before.

That trip, where Adams hobnobbed with the country’s prime minister and met business leaders based there, was partially funded by New York City taxpayers. The city paid for Adams’ flight and various travel expenses, and the Albanian government paid for his lodging and ground transportation, the Daily News reported at the time.

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