From Strasbourg to Epstein Files: How Jagland destroyed Norway's relations with Azerbaijan

Norwegian politician Thorbjørn Jagland, who has recently faced public scrutiny over reported contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, was hospitalized following reports that the 75-year-old attempted suicide.

Against this backdrop, some commentators have revisited Jagland’s historical role in Norwegian foreign policy and its impact on relations between Azerbaijan and Norway.

In the late 1990s, bilateral relations between Baku and Oslo were developing positively. In 1998, Norway opened its embassy in Baku, and cooperation expanded, particularly in the energy sector, where Statoil (now Equinor) began operations in Azerbaijan. Political and economic ties appeared to be strengthening.

The situation shifted after Jagland returned to government in 2000 as Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 2002, Steinar Gil was appointed Norway’s ambassador to Azerbaijan. His tenure in Baku became controversial. Azerbaijani officials and lawmakers accused him of publicly commenting on domestic political developments in a manner they considered inappropriate for a diplomat.

Particular criticism arose around the events of 2003 on Azadlig Square, when opposition protests took place following presidential elections. Azerbaijani sources alleged that the ambassador’s visible presence during the unrest signaled undue involvement in internal affairs. Further tensions emerged when individuals accused by Azerbaijani authorities of serious offenses reportedly sought refuge connected to diplomatic premises — a move that intensified political friction.

As disagreements deepened, members of the Azerbaijani parliament discussed declaring the ambassador persona non grata. In 2006, Norway recalled Steinar Gil, later appointing him ambassador to Lithuania.

Meanwhile, Jagland continued his political career, serving as Speaker of the Norwegian Parliament before becoming Secretary General of the Council of Europe in 2009. During his tenure at the Council of Europe, relations between Azerbaijan and the organization became increasingly strained. Baku faced critical resolutions, monitoring procedures, and legal mechanisms under the European Convention on Human Rights, including Article 52 inquiries and the infringement procedure under Article 46.4 — the latter applied for the first time in relation to Azerbaijan.

Supporters of Azerbaijan have argued that these steps reflected a politically motivated approach, while the Council of Europe maintained that its actions were grounded in human rights standards and legal obligations.

The so-called “caviar diplomacy” allegations, which referred to claims of lobbying and influence within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, also contributed to tensions. Various figures, including former diplomat Arif Mammadov, publicly commented on these issues in subsequent years.

More recently, media reports have highlighted Jagland’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein. According to investigative publications, correspondence and travel records indicated that Jagland had contact with Epstein and stayed at properties linked to him. These revelations have generated renewed public debate in Norway and beyond.

Overall, the period marked a significant cooling of Azerbaijani-Norwegian relations, culminating in Norway’s decision to close its embassy in Baku in 2018. The interpretation of these events continues to differ depending on political perspective, reflecting broader disagreements over diplomacy, sovereignty, and human rights policy in Europe.