2028 Already on the Political Horizon as US Race Talk Begins and NATO Summit Shifted

The year 2028 is already emerging as a pivotal moment in international politics, with two separate developments this week putting the date firmly on the agenda.

In the United States, discussion about the 2028 presidential election has begun in earnest following the midterm elections held on 3 November. According to a report by Bulgarian news outlet Dnevnik, political observers have started weighing potential contenders for the next race for the White House, a customary practice in American politics after every midterm cycle. The midterm elections, which determine control of Congress, often serve as a referendum on the sitting president and can shape the landscape for the next race. The report notes that the swing in voter sentiment seen in this year's congressional elections has added extra urgency to the early speculation, although no specific candidates have been named so far.

Across the Atlantic, NATO's next summit may not take place until 2028. Speaking at the European Political Community summit in Dublin on Thursday, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said the alliance would not hold its meeting in Tirana next year, as had been previously considered. Reuters reported in June that plans were under discussion for Albania to host a NATO summit, but Rama's remarks suggest the event could be delayed by a few years. It remains unclear whether a different host city will be chosen for a nearer-term summit or if the gathering will simply wait until 2028.

While the two stories are unrelated, they both point to 2028 as a year of significant political activity, with major elections and high-level diplomatic meetings potentially coinciding. For now, the road to 2028 is just beginning, and much can change in the coming months and years.