Brussels | December 3: In an unprecedented move that has rattled the European Union’s diplomatic establishment, Belgian authorities have arrested Federica Mogherini, the former EU foreign policy chief, along with two other senior figures, in connection with an alleged fraud involving an EU-funded training programme for young diplomats.
The arrests were carried out as part of an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), which suspects that procurement rules may have been violated and sensitive information may have been leaked to benefit certain institutions during the tendering process. EPPO’s initial statement confirmed the arrests but withheld the identities of the accused.
Belgian Media Confirms Mogherini’s Detention; College of Europe Under Scrutiny
Belgium’s leading daily De Standaard first reported that Mogherini currently the Rector of the prestigious College of Europe is among those detained. The information was later corroborated by The Guardian, quoting judicial sources familiar with the case.
Two additional individuals linked to the EU’s diplomatic ecosystem have also been arrested. They are reportedly being investigated for procurement fraud, corruption, and conflict of interest in connection with the training programme. The College of Europe has not issued a direct statement on Mogherini’s detention but has said it is “fully cooperating with authorities, with complete respect for legal procedures.”
Former EU External Action Service Secretary-General Also Arrested
According to The Guardian, the second high-profile figure arrested is Stefano Sannino, who served as Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) from 2021 to 2024. He currently holds a senior post within the European Commission.
The Commission confirmed that an investigation related to actions from the “previous mandate” is underway but declined to provide further details, citing legal constraints.
Large-Scale Raids Across Brussels and Bruges
Responding to EPPO’s instructions, Belgian police conducted extensive searches at:
- EU External Action Service headquarters in Brussels
- Multiple buildings of the College of Europe in Bruges
- Private residences linked to the suspects
EPPO stated that the raids were necessary to determine whether criminal activities took place and emphasised that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Core Allegation: Confidential Tender Information Leaked Prematurely
At the centre of the investigation is the EU Diplomatic Academy Programme, a €-funded initiative aimed at training early-career diplomats. The College of Europe won the contract for the 2021–22 edition of the programme.
However, EPPO suspects that Sensitive tender information was allegedly leaked before the procurement process formally began, potentially giving an unfair advantage to one of the bidders. EPPO said it had “strong indications” that standard fairness and transparency rules may have been breached. The arrests were made only after the authorities formally requested the lifting of immunity for the individuals involved.
Mogherini’s Appointment Had Previously Drawn Criticism
Federica Mogherini, who served as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs from 2014 to 2019, had already faced scrutiny in 2020 when she was appointed Rector of the College of Europe. Several alumni had questioned whether she had adequate academic experience, and whether her administrative background justified leading such a prestigious institution.
Founded in 1949, the College of Europe is regarded as the EU’s premier school for training diplomats, policymakers, and senior bureaucrats.
Unprecedented Action Signals Tougher EU Stance on Corruption
This marks the first time EPPO established in 2021 to combat cross-border fraud involving EU funds has taken action against such high-ranking EU figures. A senior EU diplomat, reacting off the record, said:
“EPPO’s willingness to pursue senior names sends a strong message.
If the allegations are proven, the consequences must be serious. The EU cannot afford even the perception of institutional corruption.”
EPPO has declined to release further details, saying doing so could compromise the integrity of the investigation.
