Federica Mogherini, the former High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, has resigned as Rector of the College of Europe in Bruges amid a fraud investigation. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is probing allegations of procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and breaches of professional secrecy concerning the European Union Diplomatic Academy—a nine-month training program for junior diplomats awarded to the College during her rectorship.
Belgian authorities recently conducted raids at the European External Action Service (EEAS) offices in Brussels and the College of Europe, questioning Mogherini, a senior staff member, and an EU Commission official. All three were released without being considered flight risks. Mogherini maintains confidence in the judicial process and emphasizes her commitment to transparency.
The investigation focuses on whether confidential information related to the tender process for the training program was improperly shared with select participants in 2021. Mogherini, who held her position as the EU’s chief foreign policy official from 2014 to 2019 before becoming rector in 2020, faces serious allegations that have alarmed EU diplomatic circles. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas responded to the accusations, labeling them as “deeply shocking” and underscoring the integrity of the EU diplomatic staff.
The College of Europe has committed to fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation while upholding the highest standards of integrity and compliance. This situation adds to a string of recent scandals within European institutions, such as the Qatargate bribery case and a corruption probe linked to Huawei, spotlighting the continuing challenges of ensuring transparency and accountability within the EU.
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