Eric Wendt one step away from nomination/ Senate Committee votes in favor of the general as US ambassador to Albania

2026-06-04 22:44:00, Aktualitet CNA

Eric Wendt one step away from nomination/ Senate Committee votes in favor of the

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has decided to send Eric Wendt's candidacy as ambassador to Albania for approval to the Senate plenary session. The approval was made with 19 votes in favor out of 22 in total.

Wendt's nomination was reportedly supported by a majority of the committee members, including senators from both major parties. This approval constitutes the final procedural step before his official confirmation as the United States ambassador to Tirana.

We recall that on May 20, Wendt reported before the Senate where he presented the priorities and objectives of his work if elected ambassador. He emphasized in his report that one of his main lines will be support for justice institutions in the fight against corruption and organized crime.

Among other things, he praised the work of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). He specifically stated that SPAK is a very valuable and independent institution. He also emphasized that it is an effective structure in the fight against corruption. While describing it as an apolitical and independent institution, he stated that if confirmed as US ambassador to Albania, he will support SPAK's operations and their investigations.

Lieutenant General Eric Wendt was born on October 7, 1964, in Berkeley, California. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Society and a Master of Science degree in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

Wendt has served as an active duty Army officer since 1986. He served nearly five years in the Infantry and has since served as a Green Beret, Special Forces Officer since 1991.

Wendt has served in Indonesia as Team Leader for the Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, Pacific Situation Assessment Team, in Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippine in Mindanao in the southern Philippines, on two tours of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan.

In addition to numerous staff positions, including serving as Principal Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, he has commanded at every level of Special Forces from Team A to the Sub-Unified Theater Special Operations Command. /CNA