EU authorities arrest ex-EU foreign policy head Federica Mogherini

On December 3, former European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini was taken into custody amid an extensive inquiry into the alleged misuse of EU funds. The arrests followed coordinated searches of institutions she currently leads or has previously overseen.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) conducted searches on Tuesday at the College of Europe in Bruges and at the EU foreign affairs headquarters in Brussels, which Mogherini directed from 2014 to 2019. The investigation focuses on funds intended for the training of EU diplomats.

Authorities questioned and then released Mogherini, a senior College of Europe official, and a high-ranking European Commission staff member. Their residences were also searched, though it has not been disclosed whether formal charges were filed.

According to EPPO, the case involves procurement fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest, and breaches of professional secrecy. The allegations center on a contract for a nine-month training program for junior EU diplomats, awarded by the European External Action Service (EEAS) to the College of Europe in 2021-2022. Investigators suspect that the college may have received preferential treatment during the bidding process.

Investigators claim that confidential information may have been shared with one of the bidders, and that representatives of the college might have been informed of the selection criteria prior to the official tender announcement, creating an expectation of receiving the contract.

EPPO stated that the initial report came from the European Anti-Fraud Office and that the ongoing investigation aims to determine whether criminal offenses such as fraud, corruption, or conflicts of interest occurred.

EU Foreign Affairs spokesperson Anitta Hipper confirmed the raids at the European External Action Service offices and stated that the service is cooperating fully with the authorities, without disclosing the identities of those involved.

The College of Europe acknowledged the searches at its Bruges campus, emphasizing its commitment to transparency, integrity, and compliance throughout the investigation. Mogherini, who previously served as Italy's Foreign Minister under Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, was appointed rector of the college in 2020.

Author: Zoe Harrison