First Participation of Albanians For America in the Central and Eastern European Coalition Meeting on Capitol Hill

For the first time, the organization Albanians For America (AFA), represented by Doc Vranici, joined the meeting of the Central and Eastern European Coalition (CEEC) held on Capitol Hill.

Established in 1994, this coalition brings together 18 national organizations representing American communities with roots in Central and Eastern Europe. The CEEC aims to strengthen ties between the United States and this region, promoting a free, secure, and democratic environment.

During the sessions in the U.S. Congress, AFA, along with other coalition members, raised their voice on key strategic issues. Topics included Russian aggression in Ukraine, the crisis in Georgia, sanctions against Russia, Kosovo’s path toward NATO, support for holding the NATO Summit in Albania next year, and the continuation of support for security initiatives in the Baltic states. All participating organizations stressed the urgent need to counter Russian aggression and China’s malign influence in the region.

As part of the CEEC delegation, AFA attended the Capitol Hill conference titled “Building Resilience: A View from NATO’s Centers of Excellence in the Baltic States.” The event featured Congressmen Don Bacon and Salud Carbajal, along with senior officials from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

The delegation also held meetings with Kristine Berzina from the U.S. Helsinki Commission and conducted bipartisan talks with the offices of Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Congressman Keith Self (R-TX), Congressman Zach Nunn (R-IA), and Congressman French Hill (R-AR). The discussions focused on increasing U.S. engagement in Central and Eastern Europe and advancing policies that ensure the security and stability of the region.

In addition to engagements within the coalition, AFA organized a meeting with a member of the National Security Council at the Executive Office of the President, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. There, Washington’s engagement in the Balkans and issues of interest to Albanians in the region were discussed.

A separate meeting was also held with the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the United States, Ilir Dugolli, to review recent developments and opportunities for deepening relations between the two countries. During its stay in Washington, the delegation also signed the guestbook in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham.

By expanding its presence in the American capital, AFA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the voice of Albanian-Americans is heard in decision-making centers. The organization thanks its partners, lawmakers, and CEEC members for their collaboration and aims to continue building on these relationships in the service of freedom, security, strengthening U.S.-Albania and U.S.-Kosovo ties, and a more stable Central and Eastern Europe.