From Newsweek · · 2m
Albania must prove itself to America
A NATO member's pro-American sentiment isn't enough. Albania needs to show real commitment through defense spending, fighting organized crime, and economic reform.
In brief
A NATO member's pro-American sentiment isn't enough. Albania needs to show real commitment through defense spending, fighting organized crime, and economic reform. Being a loyal ally requires concrete action on defense, corruption, and organized crime, not just words. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Trump demands more from NATO allies
The Pentagon is pushing all 32 NATO members to spend more on defense, protect critical infrastructure, and crack down on drug networks and money laundering. Washington sent a questionnaire asking each country to prove what it's actually contributing.
Albania talks the talk
Albania is a NATO member with people among the most pro-American on the planet, sitting on the Adriatic at the gateway to the Balkans. It should be exactly the kind of partner Washington wants.
But doesn't walk the walk
Loving America and being a reliable ally are two different things. Right now Albania is failing the second test, despite decades of American support.
“loving America and being a reliable ally to America are two different things, and right now we are failing the second test.”
NATO summit snub signals trouble
Albania was supposed to host NATO's 2026 summit, but the Trump administration's resistance over low defense spending caused the location to be scrubbed from official declarations. It's a credibility problem for the government.
Drug networks run through Albania
Albanian-led criminal networks control cocaine supply chains from South America into Europe, laundering proceeds through real estate. The State Department and European Commission have documented these problems and corruption in the police.
Congress is now asking questions
A Republican congressman filed an amendment seeking a classified report on narcotrafficking in Albania, the government's role in facilitating it, and political repression. For a pro-American nation, this is a wake-up call.
Real cooperation needed now
Albania must treat cartels as national security threats, cooperate with American law enforcement on money laundering, and protect ports, airports, and energy grids as strategic NATO assets instead of political prizes.
Build a real economy
Albania should develop an economic model based on low taxes, secure property rights, and merit instead of political connections. This would attract American and European businesses and create opportunities for ordinary Albanians.
Prove it before it's too late
Albania has the location, history, and people to be a trusted ally. But it must act now on defense, corruption, and economic reform before Washington concludes it's the weak link in NATO.
“before Washington concludes we are the weak link in the alliance.”
What it means
Being a loyal ally requires concrete action on defense, corruption, and organized crime, not just words.
