Johan Meyer, a former diplomat who recently retired after 37 years in the foreign service, has voiced strong criticisms regarding how the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs manages aid funds. He characterizes the approach as careless and points out that the pressure to spend allocated money quickly leads to poor oversight and control over these funds. This statement echoes previous criticisms from the Office of the Auditor General, which highlighted a lack of control over support for the Norwegian policy think tank, the International Peace Institute (IPI).

Meyer notes that the ongoing scrutiny of interactions between high-level officials and controversial figures, such as Jeffrey Epstein, might come as a shock to others in the Ministry, but emphasizes that the underlying issues concerning the handling of funds and the administration of aid are well-known and not surprising to those familiar with the situation. His experience includes significant postings in conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Mali, and Sudan, and his tenure at the United Nations involved managing humanitarian aid, which he indicates has had a direct line to the financial support given to IPI during his time there.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by spokesperson Mariken Bruusgaard Harbitz, acknowledges the necessity for ongoing improvements in grant management. This admission implies an understanding of the existing criticisms and a commitment to rectify deficiencies. Meyer’s insights shed light on the complexities of aid administration and raise questions about how such organizations can enhance their accountability and oversight to prevent mismanagement in the future.