The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) conducted a series of raids on Tuesday targeting the College of Europe in Bruges and the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels, resulting in the arrest of former EU High Representative Federica Mogherini. The unprecedented action, supported by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and carried out by Belgian police, has sent shockwaves through European political circles and raised serious questions surrounding transparency and accountability within EU institutions.
Mogherini, currently serving as Rector of the prestigious College of Europe, was taken into custody alongside her deputy and another EU official. The EPPO is investigating suspicions of fraud related to a European Union-funded training program for young diplomats, specifically the “Diplomatic Academy” project awarded to the College of Europe between 2021 and 2022.
The core of the investigation revolves around allegations that the College of Europe or its representatives may have been privy to the selection criteria of the awarding process prior to the decision. Crucially, authorities are probing whether confidential information was shared with one of the competing applicants, potentially compromising the integrity of the competitive bidding process.
This case represents a significant challenge to the perception of EU governance, particularly given Mogherini’s prominent role in shaping foreign policy during her tenure as High Representative. Her involvement raises concerns over potential conflicts of interest and a blurring of lines between public service and subsequent institutional appointments. While the EPPO has stressed that the ongoing investigation involves only suspicions and no charges have been formally laid, the arrests underscore a growing scrutiny of financial oversight within EU-funded initiatives and the potential for abuses of power within institutions designed to champion democratic values. The outcome of this investigation is likely to have far-reaching implications for internal procedures, regulatory reforms and the overall credibility of the EU’s commitment to ethical conduct.
