Former EU Diplomat Federica Mogherini Faces Fraud and Corruption Allegations
Published 3 December 2025
Highlights
- Federica Mogherini, former EU foreign policy chief, is under investigation for alleged fraud and corruption by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO).
- The investigation involves a tender awarded to the College of Europe for a training course for junior diplomats, with suspicions of procurement fraud and favoritism.
- Searches were conducted at the College of Europe and the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels, with Mogherini and two others questioned and released.
- Mogherini expressed confidence in the justice system and pledged full cooperation, while the College of Europe emphasized its commitment to integrity.
- The investigation has caused significant concern within EU circles, highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency.
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Rewritten Article
Former EU Diplomat Federica Mogherini Faces Fraud and Corruption Allegations
Federica Mogherini, the former chief diplomat of the European Union, is embroiled in a high-profile investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) concerning allegations of fraud and corruption. The probe centers on the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, where Mogherini serves as rector, and the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels, which she previously headed.
Allegations and Investigation
The EPPO's investigation focuses on a tender awarded to the College of Europe for a nine-month training course for junior diplomats. The allegations include procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and violation of professional secrecy. Searches were conducted at both the College of Europe and the EEAS, with Mogherini and two other senior officials questioned by Belgian authorities. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, all three individuals were released, as they were not deemed flight risks.
Mogherini's Response
In a statement, Mogherini expressed her confidence in the justice system and reiterated the College of Europe's commitment to integrity and fairness. "I have clarified my position with the investigators," she stated, emphasizing her willingness to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. The College of Europe, a prestigious institution partly funded by the EU, also pledged transparency and cooperation with authorities.
Impact on EU Institutions
The investigation has sent shockwaves through EU institutions, raising concerns about accountability and transparency within the bloc. Kaja Kallas, the current EU foreign policy chief, described the allegations as "deeply shocking" but assured that the integrity of the EU's work would remain intact. The case underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous safeguards to protect the EU's financial interests.
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Scenario Analysis
As the investigation unfolds, the legal and political ramifications could be significant. If the allegations are substantiated, it may lead to increased scrutiny of EU-funded projects and a reevaluation of procurement processes. The case also highlights the need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future. Experts suggest that the outcome of this investigation could influence future EU policies on transparency and accountability, potentially leading to reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity of EU institutions.
Federica Mogherini, the former chief diplomat of the European Union, is embroiled in a high-profile investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) concerning allegations of fraud and corruption. The probe centers on the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, where Mogherini serves as rector, and the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels, which she previously headed.
Allegations and Investigation
The EPPO's investigation focuses on a tender awarded to the College of Europe for a nine-month training course for junior diplomats. The allegations include procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and violation of professional secrecy. Searches were conducted at both the College of Europe and the EEAS, with Mogherini and two other senior officials questioned by Belgian authorities. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, all three individuals were released, as they were not deemed flight risks.
Mogherini's Response
In a statement, Mogherini expressed her confidence in the justice system and reiterated the College of Europe's commitment to integrity and fairness. "I have clarified my position with the investigators," she stated, emphasizing her willingness to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. The College of Europe, a prestigious institution partly funded by the EU, also pledged transparency and cooperation with authorities.
Impact on EU Institutions
The investigation has sent shockwaves through EU institutions, raising concerns about accountability and transparency within the bloc. Kaja Kallas, the current EU foreign policy chief, described the allegations as "deeply shocking" but assured that the integrity of the EU's work would remain intact. The case underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous safeguards to protect the EU's financial interests.
What this might mean
As the investigation unfolds, the legal and political ramifications could be significant. If the allegations are substantiated, it may lead to increased scrutiny of EU-funded projects and a reevaluation of procurement processes. The case also highlights the need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future. Experts suggest that the outcome of this investigation could influence future EU policies on transparency and accountability, potentially leading to reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity of EU institutions.
