(L) Eric Adams at reception celebrating Albanian tradition in Gracie Mansion on June 21, 2025. (R) Adams delivers on the Albanian flag elevating ceremony. Bowling Inexperienced, Manhattan on Monday, November 28, 2022
Photographs by Justin Persaud/Ed Reed/Mayoral Images Workplace
Former New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams has been granted Albanian citizenship, in response to a presidential decree dated April 10.
The decree, signed by Albanian President Bajram Begaj, says Adams was granted citizenship “at his request” and that the order takes impact instantly upon publication in Albania’s official gazette.
In a press release, Adams spokesperson Todd Shapiro mentioned the choice mirrored Adams’ longstanding ties to the Albanian American neighborhood in New York Metropolis and described the citizenship as a recognition of worldwide partnership and mutual respect.
Shapiro mentioned Adams was proud to obtain the glory and thanked Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Begaj, and the Albanian individuals.
“Leaders around the world — including mayors and presidents — have historically been recognized with honorary or dual citizenships as a symbol of international partnership and shared values,” mentioned Shapiro.
The citizenship follows years of seen ties between Adams and Albania throughout his tenure as mayor. Adams appeared at Albanian flag-raising ceremonies in 2022 and 2024, and in June 2025 hosted an Albanian Tradition Reception at Gracie Mansion, the place he praised the Albanian neighborhood and mentioned he hoped to go to the nation.
After dropping his reelection bid, Adams traveled to Albania for a four-day journey in October 2025, his workplace mentioned, targeted on tourism and financial alternatives for New York Metropolis. The Albanian authorities lined his lodging and floor transportation, whereas the town paid for airfare and different journey prices
Days later, Adams mentioned in an interview with Alba Life TV that he had developed a “good friendship” with Rama, spoke about deepening enterprise and know-how ties with Albania, and mentioned he needed to assist safe direct flights between New York and Tirana.
Gothamist later reported that Adams hosted an unpublicized reception at Gracie Mansion in November 2025 for Albanian officers and members of the native Albanian neighborhood. In response to the outlet, the occasion didn’t seem on the mayor’s public schedule and included Albania’s deputy overseas minister and ambassador to america.
Adam’s son, Jordan Coleman, beforehand competed on the Albanian model of American Idol, an expertise that impressed his rap EP, in response to the New York Publish.
Since leaving workplace, Adams has additionally drawn consideration for ventures outdoors authorities. In January, the crypto fanatic launched NYC Token, which his staff mentioned was supposed to help social causes, together with schooling and efforts to fight antisemitism and anti-Americanism.
The challenge shortly drew scrutiny after reviews questioned its rollout, allegations Adams’ spokesperson Shapiro known as “unsupported,” saying the previous mayor didn’t transfer investor funds or revenue from the token’s launch.
