In a dramatic development shaking the heart of European Union institutions, Belgian police have arrested the bloc's former top diplomat, Federica Mogherini, alongside two other individuals. The arrests are part of a significant investigation into suspected fraud concerning EU-funded training for junior diplomats.
Raids and Arrests at EU Institutions
Law enforcement officers conducted coordinated raids on Tuesday, targeting the Brussels headquarters of the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's foreign service, and several buildings belonging to the prestigious College of Europe in Bruges. Searches were also carried out at the private homes of the suspects.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), the EU body tasked with fighting crimes against the EU budget, confirmed the detentions. In a statement, the EPPO said three people were held "as part of a probe into suspected fraud related to EU-funded training for junior diplomats." While the prosecutor's office did not name those arrested, Belgian newspaper De Standaard and judicial sources identified Federica Mogherini as one of them.
A source has since confirmed to the Guardian that Mogherini, who served as the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs from 2014 to 2019, was indeed among those detained. The other two individuals are reported to be from "diplomatic circles." Belgian media reports suggest the allegations involve potential "procurement fraud, corruption and conflicts of interest."
High-Profile Figures Under Scrutiny
The Guardian understands that a second high-profile figure arrested is Stefano Sannino, an Italian official who served as Secretary-General of the EEAS from 2021 to 2024. Sannino is currently a Director-General at the European Commission. He has not responded to requests for comment.
Mogherini, who became the Rector of the College of Europe in 2020, has found herself at the centre of the unprecedented investigation. The College of Europe, founded in 1949, is an elite postgraduate institution in Bruges that has trained generations of EU officials and diplomats.
In response to the events, a European Commission spokesperson acknowledged "an ongoing investigation is happening into the activities that took place in the previous mandate" but declined to comment further on specific names. The College of Europe stated it would "cooperate fully with the authorities in the interest of transparency" and reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of integrity.
Unprecedented Probe into Training Contract
The case represents a landmark investigation for the EPPO, which was launched in 2021 to combat cross-border fraud involving EU funds. The prosecutor's office has the authority to bring criminal cases in 24 participating member states, including Belgium.
At the core of the investigation is a contract awarded to the College of Europe in Bruges to run the European Union Diplomatic Academy in the 2021-22 academic year. The EPPO has "strong suspicions" that the rules on fair competition were breached. Investigators are examining whether the College or its representatives were given confidential information about the tender before the official bidding process began, potentially providing an unfair advantage.
The EPPO confirmed that the immunity of the three suspects had been lifted at its request to allow for their arrest and detention. The office emphasised that "all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the competent Belgian courts of law."
Reaction from within EU circles has been one of stark surprise mixed with a note of grim satisfaction at the EPPO's assertive action. One EU diplomat remarked they were pleased the prosecutor "is not afraid to go after big names," adding that if the allegations are true, those involved should be severely punished to send a clear anti-corruption message.
The investigation continues, with the EPPO stating it will not release further details so as "not to endanger the ongoing procedures and their outcome."
