Norwegian top diplomat Mona Juul is ending her service at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to revelations about her connections to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She is also under investigation by Økokrim and charged with gross corruption. Mona Juul is finishing her job on May 1 and will then become a pensioner, according to major media reports.
She had a long career in the foreign service and was central during the negotiations of the Oslo Agreement in the 1990s. More recently, she was appointed ambassador to Jordan and later Iraq in 2024. Through her lawyer, Mona Juul has previously stated that she does not agree with the corruption charge.
This is not how Juul had hoped to end a long career in the Norwegian foreign service, but she still believes this is the right thing to do.
According to NRK, Thomas Skjelbred described that this is not how Juul had hoped to end a long career in the Norwegian foreign service, but she still believes this is the right thing to do. He further explained that in light of the processes ongoing both in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Storting, and at Økokrim, Juul has found it right to step out of service now upon reaching retirement age, so that these processes can proceed without further burden on the office and institutions. The diplomat's departure marks a significant moment in Norwegian foreign affairs, given her extensive experience and recent high-profile appointments.
Her career spanned decades, with key roles in Middle East diplomacy that shaped Norway's international engagements. The corruption investigation adds a layer of complexity to her legacy, potentially affecting perceptions of her diplomatic achievements. Several key details remain unclear.
In light of the processes ongoing both in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Storting, and at Økokrim, Juul has found it right to step out of service now upon reaching retirement age, so that these processes can proceed without further burden on the office and institutions.
The specific connections Mona Juul had with Jeffrey Epstein have not been publicly detailed. The nature of the gross corruption charge against her also lacks public elaboration. The current status of the investigations by Økokrim and other bodies is unknown, as is whether her resignation in February was voluntary or forced.
Additionally, the impact of this case on Norway's diplomatic relations with Jordan and Iraq has not been assessed.