250 YEARS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – THE GUARANTOR OF FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY, AND THE FUTURE OF THE ALBANIAN NATION
Editorial
By Flamur Buçpapaj
On July 4, 2026, the United States of America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence. This milestone belongs not only to the American people but also to all nations that believe in freedom, democracy, human dignity, and the rule of law. For the Albanian nation, this anniversary carries an even deeper meaning, as our modern history has been inseparably linked with the unwavering support of the United States.
It is no coincidence that Albanians are among the most pro-American peoples in the world. This sentiment is not the product of propaganda but of historical experience. Whenever the Albanian nation has faced existential threats, the United States has stood on the right side of history. From defending Albania’s independence in the early twentieth century to helping liberate Kosovo, America has been the greatest guarantor of our freedom.
President Woodrow Wilson defended the existence of the Albanian state at the Paris Peace Conference by opposing plans to partition Albania. His courageous stand became the first great milestone in the enduring friendship between Albania and the United States.
Following the collapse of communism, the United States became the principal supporter of Albania’s democratic transition. It assisted in building democratic institutions, reforming the economy, modernizing the armed forces, strengthening the rule of law, and advancing Albania’s Euro-Atlantic integration. Albania’s accession to NATO would not have been possible without the steadfast support of Washington.
The defining moment of this friendship came during the Kosovo War. In 1999, the administration of President Bill Clinton led NATO’s military intervention against the criminal regime of Slobodan Milošević. That intervention halted ethnic cleansing, saved hundreds of thousands of Albanian civilians, and paved the way for Kosovo’s freedom. For this reason, President Clinton’s name holds a permanent place in the history of the Albanian nation.
In 2007, President George W. Bush became the first sitting American president to visit Albania. During that historic visit, he declared openly that Kosovo must become independent. Only a few months later, on February 17, 2008, Kosovo proclaimed its independence, receiving immediate recognition from the United States.
Today, the presence of KFOR in Kosovo, with the significant participation of American troops, remains the strongest guarantee of peace, security, and stability in the region. This mission safeguards not only Kosovo but also the future stability of the Western Balkans.
At a time when the world faces wars, terrorism, authoritarian aggression, and growing attempts to undermine democratic institutions, the Albanian-American alliance has become even more significant. Albania must continue to strengthen its strategic partnership with the United States by expanding cooperation in defense, security, energy, technology, education, investment, and economic development.
Throughout this journey, RTV Nacional and Gazeta Nacional have consistently maintained a clear editorial position. For many years, their editorials, analyses, and broadcasts have firmly supported the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States, Euro-Atlantic integration, and the principles of liberal democracy. This editorial line has never been dictated by short-term political interests but by the conviction that the future of Albania, Kosovo, and the Albanian nation is inseparable from the United States and the transatlantic democratic community.
The pages of Gazeta Nacional and the broadcasts of RTV Nacional have consistently published editorials supporting policies that strengthen relations with the United States, NATO, and the democratic West. At the same time, they have openly opposed authoritarian ideologies, anti-Western propaganda, and every effort to undermine Albania’s strategic orientation or the national interests of Albanians.
This position is not directed against any nation or people. Rather, it is a principled defense of freedom, democracy, national sovereignty, peace, and the international rules-based order. Albania has no greater strategic interest than preserving and deepening its alliance with the United States of America.
As publishers, journalists, and public intellectuals, we believe that the media should not merely report events but should also defend the democratic values upon which free societies are built. This is why RTV Nacional and Gazeta Nacional will continue to stand firmly in support of the Albanian-American partnership, freedom of expression, democratic governance, the free-market economy, and Albania’s Euro-Atlantic future.
On this historic 250th anniversary, we express our profound gratitude to the American people and to all the presidents, soldiers, diplomats, members of Congress, and public servants who have contributed to the freedom, security, and progress of the Albanian nation.
The Albanian-American friendship is not merely a chapter of history—it is an alliance for the future. It is the cornerstone of our security, our democracy, and our national development.
Happy 250th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America.
Long live the enduring friendship between the Albanian nation and the United States of America.