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 a statement released Wednesday by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).
Mogherini, along with two other senior EU officials, was detained on Tuesday as part of an expanding investigation into alleged misuse of EU funds. All three have since been released, with EPPO confirming that they are not considered flight risks while the inquiry continues.
The 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 independent sources revealed to Reuters that one of the detained individuals was Stefano Sannino, a prominent EU diplomat. Attempts to reach both Mogherini and Sannino for comment were unsuccessful.
EPPO emphasized a fundamental legal principle, stating that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the competent Belgian courts.
Their detentions followed coordinated raids at several locations, including the EU’s diplomatic service headquarters in Brussels, the prestigious College of Europe, and private residences linked to the suspects. The investigation centers on allegations of fraud involving EU-funded training programs for junior diplomats, a sector considered vital for shaping the next generation of European leadership.
Mogherini, who served as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy from 2014 to 2019, later became the Rector of the College of Europe in 2020. Both she and Sannino, notable figures within Brussels diplomatic networks, have long held deep influence across EU institutions. News of their detention has sent shockwaves throughout the EU community, raising concerns and sparking intense discussions about transparency, governance, and accountability within the bloc.
At its core, this unfolding story reflects more than an investigation. It is a reminder that even the most influential institutions must remain vigilant, fair, and accountable. No matter the outcome, the human impact is real — reputations are on the line, trust is being tested, and Europe watches closely as justice takes its course.
