In the wake of the release of a vast collection of files connected to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, significant reverberations have occurred within Europe’s political, diplomatic, and social hierarchies. Whereas Epstein’s influence has long been scrutinized in the U.S., the most immediate and dramatic consequences of the document leak have emerged among European elites rather than American counterparts.
High-ranking individuals have seen careers terminated, reputations diminished, and public trust undermined. The former British Ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, faced dismissal and potential legal penalties amid allegations related to his association with Epstein. Concurrently, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is contending with a leadership challenge sparked by his handling of Mandelson’s appointment and subsequent fallout. These disclosures have not been isolated to the UK; senior figures in Norway, Sweden, and Slovakia have also encountered resignations and mounting scrutiny. Notably, prior to the latest revelation, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles III, suffered the loss of honors, a princely title, and residence funding, all connected to the Epstein affair.
Among the implicated, except for Prince Andrew, no direct accusations of sexual misconduct have been levelled. Instead, their fall from grace has been attributed to maintaining personal or friendly contacts with Epstein following his conviction for sexual offenses involving minors.
“Epstein collected powerful people the way others collect frequent flyer points,” remarked Mark Stephens, an authoritative figure in international and human rights law based in London. “But the receipts are now in public, and some might wish they’d traveled less.”
The publication of the documents came after escalating public pressure that prompted bipartisan efforts within the U.S. government demanding transparency and the release of investigative materials concerning Epstein. Despite this, the American response has yet to mirror the intense political reckoning occurring abroad.
Rob Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester, commented on this disparity: “In Britain, appearing in those files is immediately a significant story.” He suggests this reflects a more effective media environment and a political system wherein accountability mechanisms are better ingrained, fostering a sense of political propriety and shame that compels politicians to distance themselves from unacceptable conduct.
British Consequences
Within the United Kingdom, former Prince Andrew has encountered extensive repercussions, including multi-million-dollar settlements to Epstein’s victims and increasing pressure to provide testimony in U.S. legal processes. Additionally, Sarah Ferguson, his ex-wife, recently closed her charity amid the scandal.
Peter Mandelson, a seasoned politician who had previously minimized the extent of his relationship with Epstein despite referring to him as “my best pal” over a decade earlier, is at the center of controversy. The newly surfaced files expose ongoing communications with Epstein well beyond the financier’s 2008 incarceration for sexual crimes against a minor. For example, a 2009 message from Mandelson appeared to euphemistically celebrate Epstein’s release from prison as “liberation day.”
Following these revelations, Mandelson was dismissed from his post in September by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has since faced public criticism and calls for his own removal based on perceived poor judgment. Furthermore, British law enforcement agencies are examining whether Mandelson breached public office duties by sharing sensitive government information with Epstein.
Starmer has issued apologies to Epstein’s victims and pledged to disclose government documents that could confirm inconsistencies in Mandelson’s statements during his ambassadorial vetting process. However, this may be insufficient to quell intense parliamentary dissent aimed at destabilizing his leadership.
Responses in the United States
While the UK has swiftly confronted the political ramifications of Epstein ties, expert analysts urge caution in overestimating America’s response effectiveness, noting the U.S. government’s comparatively advanced practice of declassification and information dissemination.
Alex Thomas, executive director of the UK’s Institute for Government, emphasized the role of parliamentary democracy in enforcing political accountability: “Because a prime minister’s tenure depends on retaining Parliament’s confidence, this creates a more immediate mechanism for holding leaders responsible.”
In the U.S., a limited number of prominent figures have encountered consequences related to Epstein associations. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers took leave from academic roles at Harvard University following scrutiny last year. Likewise, Brad Karp resigned as chair of the influential law firm Paul Weiss after disclosures emerged from the newest document release. The National Football League has launched an inquiry into Epstein’s reported links with New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch, who exchanged emails referencing adult companionship arrangements.
However, other notable associates, including former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, have yet to face significant public or legal penalties. Both former Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump have testified or been questioned about their connections with Epstein; neither has been accused by Epstein’s victims of wrongdoing.
Ongoing European Investigations and Fallout
The recently revealed documents expose an extensive European network surrounding Epstein, encompassing royals, political officials, business magnates, bankers, and academic figures. Several countries have initiated or intensified investigations, with high-ranking officials being compelled to resign or withstand formal censures when their Epstein-related ties were disclosed.
In Sweden, Joanna Rubinstein resigned from her U.N. position after admitting to a 2012 visit to Epstein’s Caribbean estate. Slovakia’s national security adviser, Miroslav Lajcak, stepped down following revelations about communications with Epstein, including comments on “gorgeous” women discussed between them.
In response to the files, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland have launched broad government investigations. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a dedicated team tasked with uncovering potential Polish victims and exploring any Epstein connections to Russian intelligence.
Epstein’s interests in European political developments are illustrated in an email exchange with entrepreneur Peter Thiel, where the outcome of Britain’s 2016 Brexit referendum is dubbed “just the beginning” of a shift towards “tribalism.” Grégoire Roos from Chatham House remarked on the scope of Epstein’s reach into Europe, including those ascending to positions of power, and noted that it remains to be seen whether Epstein influenced policymaking through his correspondences.
Norwegian Controversies
Norway has experienced significant discord stemming from the Epstein files. The country’s economic crimes authority has convened a corruption investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, known also for chairing the Nobel Peace Prize committee. Jagland’s legal counsel has stated his commitment to cooperate with investigators.
Additionally, notable Norwegian diplomats Terje Rød-Larsen and Mona Juul, who played prominent roles in Middle East peace negotiations during the 1990s, face public scrutiny. Juul has been suspended as ambassador to Jordan after revelations surfaced that Epstein had willed $10 million to the couple’s children shortly before his death in 2019.
Comprehensive disclosures have also affected Norwegian royal reputation, particularly concerning Crown Princess Mette-Marit, consort of heir Prince Haakon. The documents reveal a friendly rapport involving social engagements such as property visits, cosmetic appointments, and shopping trips. The princess publicly apologized for disappointing those affected by these revelations. Meanwhile, her son from a previous relationship is concurrently on trial in Oslo for alleged sexual assault, charges he denies.
These developments underscore the profound impact of the Epstein files across European political, legal, and societal spheres, continuing to unfold as investigations progress.