From Boldnews.al
The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States of America in Tirana, Nancy Van Horn, tactfully avoided a handshake with Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. Nevertheless, she remained standing beside the government’s second-highest official throughout the entire event led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, during the presentation of a wind park project in the Tropoja region by the American company CWP.
It is understandable for the U.S. representative to attend an event showcasing American investments in Tirana.
However, she appeared to have been placed in an uncomfortable position by Prime Minister Rama’s protocol, which seated her next to Balluku — an official for whom the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution (SPAK) has requested arrest in connection with alleged affairs involving hundreds of millions of dollars.
Nancy Van Horn represents the country that has played the most significant role in the establishment and operation of SPAK.
Although holding a lower diplomatic rank than that of an ambassador, Ms. Van Horn is the principal channel through which the U.S. administration conveys its messages to Albania, particularly regarding the justice system.
Just days earlier, Van Horn held a formal meeting with the newly appointed head of SPAK, Klodian Braho, reiterating Washington’s firm commitment to supporting the special courts and prosecution in the fight against organized crime and high-level corruption.
Yet only a few days after delivering those messages, Nancy Van Horn found herself standing beside the Albanian official currently facing the most serious corruption allegations in the country.
During the meeting held on Monday (January 12, 2026), Van Horn maintained a noticeably reserved demeanor and rarely turned her gaze toward the official beside her, Belinda Balluku.
Nevertheless, this apparent “coldness” did not seem to disrupt the political stage crafted by Edi Rama. The Prime Minister delivered his message clearly: despite the serious allegations against her, Belinda Balluku remains fit to stand beside the representative of the United States.
Rama delivered his message. The question remains — did Nancy Van Horn deliver hers by agreeing to stand next to the highest-ranking Albanian official accused of corruption?
