A law professor suggests that Ine Eriksen Søreide made an error by not recusing herself from handling a report regarding the International Peace Institute (IPI), led by her close friend’s husband, Terje Rød-Larsen, when she was foreign minister in 2019. The report was concerning allegations of young women from Eastern Europe holding brief internships at IPI. The professor contends that Søreide's involvement creates a conflict of interest, as she was personally connected to individuals tied to the organization in question.

The content of the report highlights potential ethical concerns in governmental actions, raising questions about the propriety of officials being involved in cases where there are close personal ties. The law professor emphasizes that public figures must navigate their relationships carefully to prevent any image of impropriety, especially in sensitive matters such as the treatment of vulnerable populations.

Søreide defended her actions at the time, asserting that she did not see herself as ineligible to handle the case. However, the professor categorically calls this a "clear error," indicating that such missteps could erode public trust in governmental oversight processes. The discourse surrounding this incident reflects broader worries about accountability and transparency within public institutions in Norway.