The Council of Europe has waived the diplomatic immunity of its former Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland, clearing the way for Norwegian prosecutors to pursue an investigation into allegations of aggravated corruption linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
The decision, adopted on 11 February 2026 by the organisation’s Committee of Ministers, follows a formal request from Norway’s National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime, known as Økokrim.
Økokrim has confirmed it is investigating suspicions of gross corruption. The authority has not publicly detailed the specific allegations.
In a statement, the Council of Europe said the waiver followed media revelations in November 2025 linked to documents released by United States authorities in the Jeffrey Epstein criminal case.
Under the Council’s General Agreement on Privileges and Immunities, Secretaries General are granted the same protections as diplomatic envoys. Article 39(2) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations provides that such immunity continues after leaving office for acts carried out in an official capacity.
However, under Article 19 of the General Agreement, the Committee of Ministers can waive immunity if it would otherwise obstruct the course of justice and if doing so would not harm the organisation’s interests. The Council emphasised that immunity exists to protect the independent exercise of official duties, not to provide personal advantage.
The waiver applies to acts performed in Jagland’s official capacity and within the limits of his authority, for the purposes of Økokrim’s investigation.
Secretary General Alain Berset said he ordered an informal internal administrative inquiry in November 2025 following the media reports. The inquiry concluded in January 2026.
“Following the revelations of November 2025, I took all measures that I considered necessary to protect the integrity and reputation of the Council of Europe,” Berset said. He added that he had recommended granting the waiver to allow “the Norwegian justice system to do its work and Mr Jagland, if prosecuted, to defend himself."
Berset has referred the matter to the Directorate of Internal Oversight to assess whether any failures or omissions occurred within the organisation and has announced a broader review of governance practices.
The Committee of Ministers said the Council would co-operate with competent authorities to facilitate the proper administration of justice.
Norwegian public broadcaster NRK has reported that the investigation concerns possible benefits linked to material contained in documents released by U.S. authorities in the Epstein case.
According to NRK, the documents suggest that Jagland and members of his immediate family may have used apartments owned by Jeffrey Epstein in Paris and New York between 2011 and 2018 and stayed at Epstein’s property in Palm Beach, Florida. NRK also reports that, in at least one instance, Epstein is alleged to have paid travel expenses for six adults. Investigators are examining whether Jagland sought Epstein’s assistance in securing a bank loan, although it remains unclear whether any such arrangement was finalised.
Økokrim chief Pål Lønseth has said it is important that investigators have the opportunity to examine the suspicions that have arisen but declined to comment further.
Jagland’s lawyer, Anders Brosveet of Elden Law Firm, said the lifting of immunity had been expected and confirmed that his client would co-operate.
“Jagland will cooperate with the investigation to clarify all circumstances,” Brosveet said, adding that Jagland takes the matter seriously but believes there are no circumstances that would lead to criminal liability.
Jagland has previously described his contact with Epstein as “normal diplomatic activity."
Thorbjørn Jagland served as Secretary General of the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019. He previously served as Prime Minister of Norway, Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the Storting.
The waiver of immunity does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing. It enables Norwegian authorities to proceed with their investigation under domestic law.
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