Diplomacy
US Embassy urges Americans to avoid protests in Tirana; EU says street violence is unacceptable
The US Embassy warned of a risk of escalating violence and service disruptions, while EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa said grievances must be handled within institutions.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 30, 2026, 17:35 · Updated 19:02 · 1 min read
In brief
- According to the US Embassy, some demonstrations have turned into violent riots involving incendiary devices, stones and property damage.
- Embassy staff have been advised to avoid all protest areas, and demonstrations may continue in other cities too.
- In Elbasan, De Sousa said “there should be no violence in the streets” and institutions must show they can respond to citizens.
The United States Embassy in Tirana on Friday urged American citizens to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, warning of the risk that protests could escalate into violence, road blockages and disruptions to public services.
The US warning
The notice says demonstrations are continuing in central Tirana and near government institutions, and that some have turned into violent riots involving incendiary devices, stone-throwing and property damage. The embassy warns that further protests may occur in the coming days, in Tirana and other cities, and that people nearby may be exposed to tear gas, fireworks, incendiary devices and rubber projectiles. Its staff have been advised to avoid all demonstration areas, and public transport and government offices may close or reduce services.
De Sousa: Grievances belong within institutions
The head of the EU Delegation, Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa, condemned violence at the protests the same day during the fourth meeting of the EU–Albania Joint Consultative Committee in Elbasan. “There should be no violence in the streets. Citizens' grievances must be addressed, and it is essential that they are addressed within democratic institutions,” she said, adding that institutions have a duty to show they are able to respond.
According to her, politicians, civil servants and citizens all have work to do to strengthen institutions' capacity, while there must be engagement with young people and civil society to explain “the rules of the game of democracy.” She also stressed the role of municipalities and local authorities.
