Former EU high-ranking diplomat being questioned in fraud investigation maintains his innocence

Federica Mogherini, former head of European Union foreign affairs, released a statement on Wednesday affirming her innocence after being questioned along with two others in a fraud case. The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) confirmed that all three individuals were formally informed of allegations, which include procurement fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest, and breaches of professional confidentiality.

"I have full trust in the justice system and believe that the accuracy of the College's actions will be verified," Mogherini stated through the press office of the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium. She also pledged, "I will continue to provide complete cooperation to the authorities."

On Tuesday, Belgian authorities conducted searches at the EU diplomatic service in Brussels and at the College of Europe, a prominent institution for training EU officials and diplomats since 2020. Residences of the suspects were also inspected. Following questioning, the individuals were released, as they are not considered a flight risk, but they remain officially under investigation, according to EPPO.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) and the College of Europe are being investigated for alleged fraud linked to a training program for diplomats funded with EU resources. Mogherini, who previously served as Italian foreign minister and led EEAS, now directs the European Union Diplomatic Academy and is rector of the College of Europe. The other two suspects are senior EU official Stefano Sannino and a College of Europe staff member.

Prosecutors noted that the College of Europe had been responsible for implementing a training program for junior EU diplomats following a tender issued by EEAS. The investigation seeks to determine whether the university or its representatives had prior knowledge of the selection criteria or the likelihood of being awarded the project before the tender announcement. EPPO emphasized that there is strong suspicion of financial rule violations and potential leaks of confidential information, while reaffirming that all involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Author: Noah Whitman