Former head of EU diplomacy Mogherini arrested in corruption scandal.

According to ТСН: Recently, searches were conducted at the EU diplomatic service in Brussels and several premises of the College of Europe in Bruges as part of an investigation into possible fraud with the EU budget. Three individuals were arrested, including the rector of the College of Europe, Federica Mogherini, who previously held the position of High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs.

According to the publication Le Soir, the former Vice-President of the European Commission is currently being held in custody. Also questioned were one of the managers of the College of Europe and the former Secretary-General of the European External Action Service, Italian diplomat Stefano Sannino.

Suspicions and Possible Violations

The investigation is largely focused on suspicions of favoritism and possible unfair competition in the provision of a training program for future European diplomats, conducted by the College of Europe in collaboration with the European External Action Service. The alleged violations occurred in 2021-2022, with accusations including 'fraud during the conclusion of state contracts, corruption, conflict of interest, and violation of official secrets.'

Investigators are trying to determine whether the College of Europe or its representatives were informed in advance about the selection criteria during the tender announced by the EU diplomatic service for the training program.

Conducting the Investigation

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), established in 2021, is an independent anti-corruption body of the EU responsible for combating fraud and other crimes that harm financial interests, such as corruption and VAT evasion. The EPPO has the authority to conduct investigations, bring formal charges, and refer cases to court.

The investigation is being conducted under the supervision of an investigating judge in West Flanders, where the city of Bruges is located. Searches were carried out by the Belgian federal police.

Before starting the operation, the European Public Prosecutor's Office requested the lifting of immunity for some suspects, obtaining the necessary permission but not disclosing their names or positions.

A representative of the EU confirmed that the diplomatic service in Brussels was among the objects of the investigation concerning 'activities that took place during previous mandates,' meaning before Kaia Kalas became the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs at the end of 2024.

Finally, it is worth noting that earlier, British politician Nathan Gill, former representative of Wales in the European Parliament, pleaded guilty to bribery in facilitating pro-Russian narratives during 2018-2019.

These events primarily draw attention to internal EU affairs amid an ongoing fight against corruption at all levels. The situation illustrates the importance of maintaining transparency and ethics in the activities of European institutions, as even prestigious educational institutions can find themselves at the center of scandals. Further actions by the relevant authorities and the results of the investigation will indicate possible changes in policy and practices within the EU.