The United States continues to pay close attention to Albania and the wider Western Balkans, with Washington emphasizing peace, democratic development and stronger institutions across the region.
Speaking to News24, U.S. strategic adviser Mark J. Finlay said American interest in Albania goes well beyond day-to-day foreign policy. According to Finlay, members of the U.S. Congress are also closely following developments in the country and remain interested in its future.
Finlay shared a recent exchange with a U.S. congressman who, after learning that he was in Albania, sent a simple message of support:
“God bless Albania. Thank you for your work. Encourage our friends.”
The message, Finlay said, reflects the continued attention Washington gives to Albania and the Western Balkans.
“The United States is very interested in this country and very interested in the Western Balkans. It is involved in the peace process and in the democratic development of society,” Finlay told News24.
He also stressed that Albania’s European future depends on delivering tangible reforms rather than simply meeting formal requirements.
EU membership must mean real progress
On Albania’s path toward EU membership, Finlay emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and avoiding any backsliding.
For Albanians, he said, the most important question is not simply when the country will join the EU, but whether the accession process produces real improvements in everyday life.
That means progress in areas such as fighting corruption, strengthening the justice system and creating greater opportunities for citizens.
“People in Albania want to see improvement on issues such as corruption, justice and opportunity,” Finlay said.
He argued that Albania should continue moving forward with the accession process, while making sure that reforms produce measurable results.
EU integration, in this view, cannot be reduced to opening and closing negotiation chapters. It must translate into stronger institutions, greater accountability and better opportunities for ordinary citizens.
Finlay’s message therefore goes beyond diplomatic encouragement.
It is a reminder that Albania has strong international partners watching its progress—but the responsibility for delivering meaningful reform ultimately rests with Albania itself.
