Mona Juul had a long career in the foreign service and was central during the negotiations of the Oslo Agreement in the 1990s. She was appointed ambassador to Jordan and later Iraq in 2024. According to major media, she is finishing her job on May 1 and will then become a pensioner.
Mona Juul has previously stated through her lawyer that she disagrees with the charge. According to NRK, Thomas Skjelbred described this as 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 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.
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.
The specific connections Mona Juul had to Jeffrey Epstein remain unclear. The details of the gross corruption charge against her have not been disclosed. The current status and timeline of the investigations by Økokrim and other bodies are unknown.
It is also uncertain whether Juul's resignation in February and her current retirement are directly linked or separate events. The official reason from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for her departure has not been provided. The Epstein connections have drawn significant public and media attention in Norway.
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 corruption investigation involves allegations related to her diplomatic activities. Juul's retirement marks the end of a decades-long career that included high-profile international roles. Her departure comes as Norwegian authorities continue to scrutinize the case.
The lack of official details has fueled speculation about the nature of the charges. The situation highlights broader concerns about transparency in diplomatic appointments. Experts note that such cases can impact Norway's international reputation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not commented on the specifics of the investigation. Juul's lawyer has emphasized her commitment to cooperating with authorities. The timeline suggests her retirement was planned but accelerated by the ongoing probes.