Brussels: Former European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has been named among three senior officials accused in a sweeping fraud and corruption investigation linked to an EU-funded diplomatic training programme. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) announced that the suspects face charges of procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and breach of professional secrecy.
According to investigators, the allegations centre on a multi-million-euro tender issued in 2021–22 to run a nine-month training programme for junior EU diplomats. The contract, awarded to the College of Europe where Mogherini has served as Rector since 2020 was part of the European External Action Service’s effort to standardise diplomatic training across the bloc. Prosecutors say they have strong indications that confidential information may have been improperly shared during the bidding process, potentially influencing the selection outcome.
The probe took a dramatic turn earlier this week when coordinated searches were carried out at EU diplomatic service offices in Brussels, College of Europe premises in Bruges, and private residences associated with the suspects. All three individuals were briefly detained for questioning before being released, as they are not considered flight risks. The EPPO emphasized that the investigation is at an early stage and that the accused are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
While Mogherini has not yet issued a public statement, both the College of Europe and the European External Action Service have pledged full cooperation with the authorities. The College reiterated its commitment to transparency and compliance, noting that the allegations concern one specific project and should not cast doubt on its broader academic integrity.
The case carries significant institutional implications. The training programme under scrutiny is considered a flagship initiative for strengthening EU diplomatic capacity, and the involvement of high-ranking figures has raised concerns about governance standards within the bloc. The EPPO, which began operations in 2021, has increasingly taken on high-profile cases involving misuse of EU funds, but this investigation marks one of its most politically sensitive inquiries to date.
In the coming weeks, prosecutors are expected to examine whether procurement rules were deliberately circumvented, whether confidential documents were exchanged unlawfully, and whether these actions constitute criminal offences under EU law. Belgian authorities are also considering whether certain immunities must be lifted to allow the investigation to proceed unhindered.
As the probe deepens, the European Union faces mounting questions about the oversight of its institutions and the credibility of its internal safeguards. The outcome of the investigation could trigger reforms in procurement procedures and create ripple effects across European governance structures. For now, the case remains open, and Brussels is bracing for what may become one of the most consequential anti-fraud inquiries in the EU’s recent history.