In a significant development, Federica Mogherini, the former Vice-President of the European Commission, has been arrested by Belgian authorities following an investigation into alleged fraud involving European Union funds. The arrests came after coordinated raids on the headquarters of the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels and the College of Europe in Bruges, as part of a broader inquiry by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).

Alongside Mogherini, two other suspects have been taken into custody: the rector of the College of Europe, a manager, and the Italian diplomat Stefano Sannino, former Secretary-General of the EEAS from 2021 to 2025. The investigation focuses on alleged wrongdoing during the period 2021-2022, including fraud in the awarding of public contracts, corruption, conflicts of interest, and breaches of professional confidentiality.

The case centers on a public tender related to the financing of the new European Diplomatic Academy in Bruges, an institution founded in 1949 and considered a breeding ground for future European officials. In 2022, the College purchased a building to host participants in a diplomatic training program amid financial pressures. Shortly thereafter, the EEAS issued a funding call which awarded the College €654,000.

Authorities are investigating whether confidential information regarding the tender was improperly accessed, potentially compromising the fairness of the bidding process. Ensuring secrecy was essential to guarantee equal treatment among candidate organizations. Prior to EPPO’s involvement, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) had already conducted interviews with relevant individuals.

To date, no formal charges have been brought, and the EPPO and OLAF have not confirmed any conclusions about criminal activity. Nonetheless, the investigation adds considerable pressure on the College of Europe and its administration, with Mogherini, currently serving her second term as rector, declining to comment on the matter.

The operation involved Belgian police from West Flanders and OLAF, coordinated under the EPPO’s authority. EPPO, which began official operations in 2021, is an independent European Union body tasked with combating fraud affecting the EU budget, including corruption, money laundering, and cross-border VAT fraud. Unlike OLAF, EPPO has prosecutorial powers, enabling it to investigate and bring offenders to justice.

Federica Mogherini previously served as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs from 2014 to 2019. She became rector of the College of Europe in 2020 and director of the European Diplomatic Academy when it was established in 2022. During the period under investigation, Josep Borrell, former Spanish Foreign Minister, was the head of the EEAS. Neither Borrell’s office nor the institutions involved have made any public statements on the ongoing inquiry.

This unfolding investigation is closely watched across European political and diplomatic circles, as it touches on the integrity of EU institutions and the management of public funds.