Former NYC mayor Eric Adams has obtained Albanian citizenship by special decree of President Bajram Begaj, months after leaving office. Adams developed a strong affinity for Albania during his mayoralty, hosting flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events. His connection extends to family ties, with his son having competed on Albania's "American Idol" equivalent in 2022.

The citizenship grant coincides with Adams' controversial travel history that figured prominently in his federal corruption indictment. The former mayor was accused of accepting free airline tickets and lavish accommodations from various countries, though those charges were abandoned by President Trump's Justice Department under unusual circumstances. His overseas travels became a focal point of legal scrutiny.

Adams frequently highlighted New York City's position as home to the world's largest Albanian expatriate population, with approximately 40,000 residents identifying as Albanian in the 2020 census. The former mayor's Balkan connections represent an unusual diplomatic and cultural bridge between the two governments, potentially opening new business and tourism opportunities between Albania and New York City.