Former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has been formally accused of procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and violation of professional secrecy, according to an official statement released Wednesday by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).
The allegations stem from an ongoing EU fraud investigation in which Mogherini and two others were detained on Tuesday. All three have since been released, with EPPO confirming that none of them are considered flight risks as the inquiry continues.
The two additional suspects were identified by EPPO as a senior staff member at the College of Europe in Bruges and a senior official from the European Commission. Three sources familiar with the case told Reuters that Stefano Sannino, a high-ranking EU diplomat, was among those detained. Attempts to reach Mogherini and Sannino for comment were unsuccessful.
EPPO emphasized that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the appropriate Belgian courts.
The detentions followed a series of coordinated raids targeting the EU’s diplomatic service in Brussels, the College of Europe, and several private residences connected to the suspects. The College of Europe, an elite institution shaping generations of future EU officials, has been thrust into the spotlight as investigators scrutinize its operations.
Mogherini, who served as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy from 2014 to 2019, took over as rector of the College of Europe in 2020. The investigation reportedly focuses on suspected fraud involving EU-funded training programs for junior diplomats, an initiative meant to strengthen the bloc’s diplomatic capacity.
Both Mogherini and Sannino, influential Italian figures within Brussels’ political and diplomatic circles, have long been viewed as fixtures of the EU establishment. News of their alleged involvement has sent a wave of shock and disbelief across Europe’s diplomatic community.
At its core, this story isn’t just about high-profile names. It’s a reminder of how deeply governance, accountability, and trust matter in every institution. As the investigation unfolds, many across Europe are watching closely — not for scandal, but for clarity, fairness, and the truth.
