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EU probes fraud allegations against ex-foreign policy chief Mogherini
Former European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini faces fraud accusations in an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), which conducted searches at her current workplace and former diplomatic headquarters this week.
Searches and detentions
On Tuesday, EPPO investigators raided the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium-where Mogherini serves as rector-as well as the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels, the EU's diplomatic arm she led from 2014 to 2019. Authorities detained Mogherini, a senior College of Europe official, and a European Commission staff member during the operation.
The three were informed of allegations including procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and breach of professional secrecy. All were released later the same day after their residences were searched, as Belgian law permits suspects to remain free pending formal charges.
Focus of the investigation
The probe centers on a 2021-2022 tender awarded by the EEAS to the College of Europe for a nine-month training program for junior diplomats. The EPPO stated there are "strong suspicions" the contract was awarded inappropriately, suggesting favoritism may have influenced the decision.
The College of Europe, an independent institution that trains future EU civil servants, receives partial funding from the bloc and maintains close ties with EU institutions.
Legal context and next steps
The EPPO, which handles crimes affecting the EU's financial interests, confirmed it had lifted the immunity of several suspects but did not disclose their identities. No formal charges have been filed at this stage, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Mogherini has not publicly responded to the allegations. The EPPO indicated further developments would be announced as the case progresses.
