Former EU Diplomat Detained in Anti-Fraud Probe
Federica Mogherini, the former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, was detained by Belgian police on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, as part of an extensive anti-fraud investigation. She was subsequently released after being formally notified of accusations related to alleged procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and violation of professional secrecy. The probe centers on an EU-funded diplomatic training program awarded to the College of Europe, where Mogherini currently serves as Rector.
Details of the Investigation
The investigation, spearheaded by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), involved raids conducted by Belgian federal police at the College of Europe's campus in Bruges, the Brussels premises of the European External Action Service (EEAS), and the homes of suspects. Alongside Mogherini, Stefano Sannino, a senior EU official who served as EEAS Secretary-General from 2021 to 2024, and a senior staff member from the College of Europe were also detained and questioned.
The core of the probe focuses on the European Union Diplomatic Academy, a nine-month training program for junior diplomats across EU member states. The EPPO has 'strong suspicions' that the tender process for this program, awarded by the EEAS to the College of Europe for the 2021-2022 period, was compromised. Specifically, investigators are examining whether confidential information regarding the procurement was shared with one of the candidates, allegedly the College of Europe, prior to the official tender launch, thereby breaching fair competition rules.
Mogherini's Role and Accusations
Federica Mogherini served as the EU's chief diplomat from 2014 to 2019. Since 2020, she has been the Rector of the College of Europe, and in 2022, she also took on the role of Director of the EU Diplomatic Academy. The contract under scrutiny was reportedly worth approximately €650,000.
The accusations against Mogherini and the other individuals include:
- Procurement fraud
- Corruption
- Conflict of interest
- Violation of professional secrecy
Official Responses and Next Steps
In response to the developments, Federica Mogherini issued a statement via the College of Europe, asserting, 'I have full confidence in the justice system and I trust that the correctness of the College's actions will be ascertained.' The College of Europe has also pledged its full cooperation with the authorities, emphasizing its commitment to 'the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and compliance.'
The European Public Prosecutor's Office, which is the independent public prosecution office of the EU responsible for investigating crimes against the bloc's financial interests, stated that 'All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the competent Belgian courts of law.' The investigation remains ongoing to clarify the facts and determine if any criminal offenses have occurred.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
The allegations of procurement fraud and conflict of interest highlight serious vulnerabilities in EU tender processes. Yet, Mogherini's quick release suggests the evidence might not be as clear-cut as the initial detention implied.
Fuerza
Innocent until proven guilty! This public shaming before conviction is unacceptable.
Manolo Noriega
This case certainly brings transparency to the forefront for EU-funded programs, which is a positive development. Still, we should await the full details of the investigation to understand the true extent of any wrongdoing.
Ongania
The fact that a former EU diplomat is implicated in this type of probe raises valid questions about integrity at the top. However, her statement expressing confidence in the justice system indicates she believes her actions were correct.
Manolo Noriega
While the accusations against a former high-ranking official are deeply concerning, it's important to remember that she is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The EPPO needs to present clear evidence before conclusions are drawn.