The Nobel Committee has decided against the release of past gift lists and travel records, opting instead to focus on a new transparency initiative aimed at clarifying the committee members' roles and financial interests on an annual basis. This decision comes amid ongoing investigations into former chair Thorbjørn Jagland, who is under scrutiny for serious corruption by Økokrim, Norway's national authority for investigation and prosecution of economic and environmental crime.

Despite requests from a majority in the Norwegian Parliament, the Storting, for the disclosure of these gift lists, the committee remains firm in its position not to share past records. Nonetheless, Nobel Institute director Kristian Berg Harpviken emphasized the importance of ethical guidelines, stating that they have been revisiting these issues for an extended period. As the current secretary of the committee, he is tasked with managing the implications of these developments while ensuring that future processes are transparent and accountable.

The introduction of new practices for transparency is a significant move for the Nobel Committee, which has historically been secretive about its internal processes and deliberations. This change comes at a critical time as public trust in the committee faces challenges, exacerbated by the Jagland investigation. The commitment to annual disclosures aims to restore confidence and align the committee's operations with broader expectations for transparency in public institutions, particularly in light of past controversies.