Information
Former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini was detained along with two others as part of a fraud investigation into an EU-funded training program for junior diplomats. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) said police searched the European External Action Service (EEAS), the College of Europe in Bruges, and suspects’ homes. Prosecutors are examining whether confidential information was shared during the tender process in 2021–2022, possibly giving the College of Europe an unfair advantage in securing the nine-month training project. The alleged wrongdoing could involve procurement fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest, and breaches of professional secrecy, though all suspects are presumed innocent under Belgian law.
Mogherini, who served as the EU’s top diplomat from 2014 to 2019 and briefly as Italy’s foreign minister, became rector of the College of Europe in 2020 and also directs the EU Diplomatic Academy. The College of Europe, founded in 1949, is a prestigious postgraduate institution preparing future European diplomats, while the EEAS oversees the EU’s foreign relations and the EPPO handles crimes affecting the EU’s financial interests.
Source: AFP, EFE, dpa
So What
The investigation into alleged procurement irregularities within the upper echelons of the EU’s diplomatic sphere raises concerns about Europe’s credibility on the global stage. Rival nations may exploit these scandals to question the bloc’s integrity and leadership. However, this situation highlights a universal truth: corruption can occur anywhere, as it stems from human nature rather than a specific institution or country. What is most important is that these issues are thoroughly investigated, and if wrongdoing is found, those responsible should be punished. This will demonstrate that accountability and the rule of law remain fundamental European values.
Follow us to join the intelligence community!