Resignation Follows Detention
Federica Mogherini, the former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and former Italian Foreign Minister, resigned from her position as rector of the College of Europe on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Her resignation came after she was detained for questioning by Belgian police on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, as part of a fraud investigation.
In a statement, Mogherini indicated her decision was 'in line with the utmost rigour and fairness with which I always carried out my duties'. She also expressed 'full confidence in the justice system' and trust that 'the correctness of the College's actions will be ascertained,' pledging her 'full collaboration to the authorities'.
Details of the Investigation
The investigation, spearheaded by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), involves accusations of procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and violation of professional secrecy. The probe focuses on alleged irregularities in the awarding of a contract for the European Union Diplomatic Academy, an EU-funded training program for junior diplomats, to the College of Europe between 2021 and 2022. Prosecutors suspect that the College of Europe may have received advance knowledge of the tender criteria, giving it an unfair advantage.
Belgian federal police conducted raids at multiple locations, including the College of Europe in Bruges, the European External Action Service (EEAS) headquarters in Brussels, and several private residences. Alongside Mogherini, Stefano Sannino, a senior EU official and former Secretary-General of the EEAS, and a senior staff member of the College of Europe were also detained and formally notified of the accusations. All three individuals were subsequently released as they were not considered a flight risk. Stefano Sannino also stepped down from his current role.
Background of Federica Mogherini
Federica Mogherini served as the EU's top diplomat from 2014 to 2019, a period during which she oversaw significant foreign policy initiatives. Prior to this, she held the position of Italian Foreign Minister. She assumed the rectorship of the prestigious College of Europe in 2020, an institution renowned for training future EU officials. The College of Europe has campuses in Bruges, Natolin, and Tirana.
7 Comments
Donatello
Her statement of full confidence in the justice system and cooperation is appropriate for a public figure. Nevertheless, the nature of the alleged fraud, especially concerning a diplomatic academy, is deeply troubling for public trust.
Leonardo
It's commendable that EU officials are stepping down during investigations, demonstrating a commitment to ethical standards. Yet, the recurring nature of such scandals suggests deeper structural problems that need urgent addressing.
Donatello
The prompt action by the EPPO is a positive step towards transparency and accountability within the EU. Still, the reputational damage to both the College of Europe and the individuals involved is significant, regardless of the final verdict.
Michelangelo
Good to see EPPO actively investigating.
Donatello
While Mogherini's resignation allows the investigation to proceed unimpeded, it also raises questions about systemic issues in EU procurement. This incident underscores the ongoing need for stricter oversight mechanisms.
BuggaBoom
EU corruption is rampant, no surprise.
Loubianka
This tarnishes the entire institution.