Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Eric Wendt has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the next United States Ambassador to Albania.

The Senate approved Wendt’s nomination on August 7 as part of a package of executive appointments, officially clearing the way for him to take up the diplomatic post in Tirana.

Wendt was nominated by President Donald Trump in April 2026. His confirmation comes after a career spanning more than three decades in the U.S. military, including senior roles with NATO and U.S. Special Operations Forces.

Wendt has a particularly strong connection to Albania through his military career. During his time as commander of NATO Special Operations Headquarters, Albanian special operations forces served under his command. He also worked with Albanian troops during his deployment in Afghanistan.

In testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in May, Wendt described Albania as a strong U.S. partner and NATO ally and highlighted the importance of the two countries’ cooperation on security and regional stability.

If confirmed, Wendt said his priorities would include strengthening security cooperation, supporting Albania’s fight against corruption and transnational organized crime, expanding cybersecurity cooperation and promoting stronger economic and commercial ties between the United States and Albania.

Wendt retired from the U.S. Army in 2021 after more than 34 years of service. He previously served as commander of NATO Special Operations Headquarters, U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and in senior command positions in the U.S. military.