Norway Epstein: Foreign Ministers to Face Parliament Inquiry

Norwegian Officials to Face Scrutiny in Epstein Connections Control Hearing

Oslo – A broad range of current and former Norwegian government officials have been summoned to appear before the Storting’s Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitution to answer questions regarding connections to the late Jeffrey Epstein. The hearings, announced on March 24, 2026, represent a significant escalation in the Norwegian Parliament’s investigation into the matter, following the release of documents detailing potential links between Epstein and prominent figures. The committee aims to address serious questions about potential abuse of power, cultural issues, and mismanagement of aid funds, according to committee member Jonas Andersen Sayed (KrF).

Who Will Testify?

The list of those called to testify is extensive, spanning multiple administrations and portfolios. Current Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide (Labour Party) will be a key witness, alongside his predecessors: Anniken Huitfeldt (Labour Party), Ine Eriksen Søreide (Conservative Party), Børge Brende (Conservative Party), and Jonas Gahr Støre (Labour Party). The scope of the inquiry extends beyond the Foreign Ministry, with Development Minister Åsmund Grøver Aukrust (Labour Party) and his predecessors also being required to appear. These include Anne Beathe Tvinnereim (Centre Party), Dag-Inge Ulstein (Christian Democratic Party), Nikolai Astrup (Conservative Party), Heikki Holmås (Socialist Left Party), and Erik Solheim (Socialist Left Party).

The Committee’s Mandate and Initial Questions

The decision to hold the hearings follows a period of intense scrutiny after the release of the Epstein files. The Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitution initially sent 25-30 questions to the government on February 12th, seeking clarification on the government’s handling of the Epstein matter. Foreign Minister Eide received 29 questions, with an initial response deadline of February 24th, which was later extended to March 10th for questions relating to historical events. According to reporting from VG, the questions for Eide cover a wide range of topics, including internal regulations within the Foreign Ministry, financial transfers to the IPI think tank (previously led by Terje Rød-Larsen), and the handling of a 2019 warning regarding IPI.

What is the IPI and Why Does it Matter?

The Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI) appears to be a central point of interest for the committee. The think tank, formerly headed by Terje Rød-Larsen, has come under scrutiny regarding its funding and connections. The committee is seeking information about financial transfers to IPI and how a 2019 warning concerning the organization was handled. The National Archives has also expressed a desire to gain control over Terje Rød-Larsen’s private archive related to the Oslo process, suggesting potential concerns about transparency and record-keeping. Details were not provided regarding the nature of the 2019 warning, but it clearly prompted further investigation.

The Broader Context: Norway’s Epstein Connections

The Norwegian involvement in the Epstein scandal centers around potential connections between Epstein and individuals with ties to the Norwegian government and diplomatic circles. The committee is investigating whether these connections led to any misuse of position, ethical breaches, or improper handling of aid funds. The inquiry also extends to Norway’s efforts to secure positions within international organizations, such as the Council of Europe and the UN Security Council, and whether any inappropriate actions were taken in pursuit of these goals. The committee is requesting insight into all declarations of impartiality submitted by top leaders in the Foreign Ministry since 1990, and how these declarations were processed.

How the Control Committee Works

The Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitution (Kontroll- og konstitusjonskomiteen) is a permanent committee of the Storting, the Norwegian Parliament. Its primary function is to oversee the activities of the government and ensure accountability. The committee has the power to request information from government ministries, summon witnesses to hearings, and conduct investigations into matters of public concern. The committee’s findings can lead to recommendations for policy changes, administrative reforms, or even further legal action. The committee’s composition reflects the political makeup of the Storting, ensuring representation from various parties. The current committee is led by Per-Willy Amundsen (Progress Party), who has emphasized the broad political consensus surrounding the Epstein investigation, stating, “This is not a matter of political games.”

What Happens Next?

Following the initial round of questioning, the committee will continue its deliberations and consider the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to conduct a more comprehensive investigation into the matter. The committee is currently working on defining the mandate and composition of this potential commission. The upcoming hearings, scheduled to start shortly, will provide a public forum for officials to address the allegations and answer questions from the committee members. The committee is expected to publish its findings and recommendations in due course. Further updates on the investigation can be found on the Storting’s website: https://www.stortinget.no/en/. The committee’s work is also being closely followed by Norwegian media outlets, including NRK and Nettavisen Nettavisen.