Norway's Foreign Ministry has formally requested more time to address the 30 questions posed by the Parliament concerning the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Initially, the deadline for the ministry to provide a response was set for February 24. However, on February 16, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide sought an extension, citing the extensive nature of the questions and some inquiries relating to historical issues that require a more thorough examination before answering. The new proposed deadline for providing responses is March 10, reflecting the complexity of the questions that Parliament's Control and Constitutional Committee has raised.

Committee chair Per-Willy Amundsen confirmed that the Foreign Ministry's request for additional time is due to the complexity of the questions posed. He emphasized that there is no single question that stands out as the most crucial; rather, the comprehensive nature of all inquiries collectively dictates the need for a more detailed response. The Epstein case has garnered significant public interest and scrutiny, and the Norwegian government's handling of related matters is of paramount importance in maintaining transparency and accountability to the public.

This request for an extension illustrates the challenging dynamics of addressing public inquiries concerning high-profile cases, such as Epstein's, where the implications span both domestic and international realms. It is critical for the government to address these queries adequately to uphold its competence and reassure the public regarding its commitment to transparency and legal processes surrounding sensitive matters, especially those that may implicate complex international relations or past actions.