Eric Adams is drawing comparisons between Albania and New York after his visit last year

Last year, while still serving as New York City's mayor, Eric Adams made a little-noticed four-day trip to Albania. Now, months after leaving office, those travels are back in the spotlight. Adams has been quoted comparing Albania to New York, calling it "the New York of the Balkans" - a phrase that's equal parts colorful and curious. The comment, made during a weekend feature in Talking Points Memo, has since spread, prompting both amusement and questions.

At the time of the visit in 2025, Adams was still in office, and the trip drew minimal attention. But in early April 2026, Newsweek revisited the story, asking whether Adams had pursued Albanian citizenship during his stay. While no official records confirm he obtained it, the possibility has fueled speculation. Albania does allow dual citizenship and has offered it to ethnic Albanians abroad - but Adams has no known Albanian heritage, making any such move unusual.

Still, his praise for the country has been consistent. He's highlighted Albania's rapid modernization, its youthful energy, and its coastal cities like Durrës and Tirana, which he said remind him of Brooklyn and Queens in their vibrancy. Some locals and observers have welcomed the attention, noting that positive international exposure helps a small nation still building its global profile.

But not everyone is convinced. Critics have questioned the timing and sincerity of his remarks, especially given the challenges New York faced during his final year in office - from housing shortages to subway safety concerns. To some, the glowing comparison feels like a distraction, or even a subtle critique of his own city.

There's also the broader context of former U.S. officials seeking ties abroad. While it's not uncommon for ex-leaders to take on international roles or advisory positions, pursuing citizenship in a country with no familial or long-term personal ties is rare. Adams hasn't publicly addressed the citizenship rumors directly, leaving room for debate.

What's clear is that the comment has stuck. Whether it's seen as a genuine compliment or an odd analogy, likening Albania to New York has given the Balkan nation an unexpected moment in the American political conversation. And for a country working to attract investment and tourism, even controversial attention can be valuable.

For now, Adams remains a figure of interest, both at home and abroad. His remarks may have started as a weekend aside, but they've since become part of a larger conversation about legacy, identity, and how former leaders choose to show up in the world after office.