Albania Applies for EU Membership

Some interesting news as one of my favorite countries has officially applied for membership in the European Union. That's right, Albania is taking another step forward in order to integrate with the Western community. This Muslim democratic state is a stalwart American ally and a great influence of secularism. While it appears that Albania will eventually join the organization, it will take a while.

Mr Topolanek said Albania had undergone "tremendous positive changes", but stressed that the Balkan state was still "facing a huge amount of work".

Albania is not expected to join the EU until 2015 at the earliest.

In addition, Albania has just joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a boon to both NATO and Albania. The small country has contributed troops to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Darfur. They are also famous for welcoming President Bush with massive celebrations.