Separation of the Interests of Industry and Politics: Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Iceland: Comparative Models

AbstractThis article analyzes the importance of separating the interests of industry and politics, drawing a parallel with the historical separation between religion and the State that occurred during the Enlightenment and the French Revolution. Six European countries are studied—Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Iceland—that have developed different models to limit State capture by economic actors. Based on their position in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, mechanisms such as the state management of resources, radical transparency, corporate co-determination, and judicial sanctions are examined. The study concludes that these practices translate into concrete benefits for citizens, such as stronger institutional trust, social equality, and quality of life.