Europe Reels As Epstein Files Trigger Resignations And Investigations Across Continent

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

LONDON/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Europe reeled Sunday after newly released U.S. Justice Department files detailing the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s global contacts shook royal houses and governments, triggering resignations, investigations and political fallout across several European countries.

The documents, part of a broader disclosure of investigative material in the United States, shed new light on Epstein’s network of contacts among political leaders, diplomats, business figures and members of European royalty.

Epstein died at age 66 in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide. He had pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting sex from a minor.

Officials have stressed that appearing in the documents does not in itself imply criminal wrongdoing. However, scrutiny has focused on individuals who maintained contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction.

LEGAL AND POLITICAL FALLOUT INTENSIFIES

Mark Stephens, a London-based specialist in international and human rights law, said the disclosures demonstrate the scale of Epstein’s reach. “Epstein collected powerful people the way others collect frequent flyer points,” Stephens said. “But the receipts are now in public, and some might wish they’d traveled less.”

In Britain, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure to resign after former U.K. Ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson resigned amid revelations that his contact with Epstein continued longer than previously disclosed.

UK police have raided properties linked to Mandelson as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct in public office, according to media reports. A spokesperson confirmed the searches were connected to the investigation.

Political opponents — and some members of Starmer’s own Labour Party — have called for his resignation over his decision to appoint Mandelson. Starmer has apologized to Epstein’s victims and pledged transparency regarding the vetting process surrounding the appointment.

Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III, remains one of the most prominent British figures linked to Epstein. He previously settled a U.S. civil lawsuit brought by one of Epstein’s accusers while denying wrongdoing and was stripped of royal duties and public funding.

FALLOUT SPREADS ACROSS THE CHANNEL

The political implications spread from London across the Channel to Paris, where former French Culture Minister Jack Lang stepped down as president of the Arab World Institute after his name appeared repeatedly in the released Epstein files, several European media outlets reported.

French prosecutors have opened a preliminary financial investigation related to his past contacts with Epstein. Lang has denied wrongdoing.

Across Europe, the disclosures have prompted internal reviews and political debate over standards of conduct among public officials whose names appear in the files.

The controversy is also impacting Central and Eastern Europe, including Slovakia, where national security adviser Miroslav Lajčák resigned after correspondence with Epstein became public. No criminal charges have been announced.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE RESPONDS

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said authorities would review the files to determine whether Polish citizens were involved as victims or associates. Tusk also said investigators would examine whether Epstein’s network had any links to foreign intelligence services.

In the Baltic states, Latvia and Lithuania initiated reviews to assess potential domestic connections and national security implications, according to regional officials.

Analysts say the swift reviews reflect broader regional sensitivity to corruption concerns and foreign influence risks.

In Scandinavia, Norway also faced political repercussions, with Norwegian Ambassador Mona Juul resigning after disclosures about her past association with Epstein prompted a government review.

SCANDINAVIAN INVESTIGATIONS EXPAND

Separately, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit publicly apologized after communications and visits linked to Epstein became public. “I am sorry to all of you whom I have disappointed,” she said in a statement reported by several outlets.

Norway’s economic crimes unit also opened an investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland over reported ties to Epstein, officials said. Jagland’s legal representatives said he would cooperate with authorities.

While the files originated in the United States, the political consequences so far appear more immediate in Europe, where resignations and official reviews have followed quickly.

The disclosures continue to generate parliamentary inquiries and institutional reviews across the continent as governments assess ethical, legal and security implications stemming from Epstein’s documented international contacts.

TRANSATLANTIC ACCOUNTABILITY CONTRAST

Observers note that the European reaction stands in contrast to the more limited immediate political consequences seen in the United States, despite the files originating there.

The unfolding developments are expected to continue shaping political debate across Europe in the coming days as further details emerge from the document releases.

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