Former EU official Federica Mogherini arrested for misuse of European funds in training future diplomats

(Patria) - Former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini has been arrested as part of an investigation into suspected fraud related to EU-funded training programs for young diplomats.

Federica Mogherini was stopped by Belgian authorities as part of an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor's Office in Brussels for suspected fraud related to EU-funded training programs for future diplomats, reports the Belgian newspaper Le Soir.

As part of the investigation, raids were carried out today at the headquarters of the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels and in several buildings of the College of Europe in Bruges. Three people were reportedly detained, including Mogherini, the Rector of the College of Europe, former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Matteo Renzi's government.

The investigation concerns suspicions of favouritism and possible unfair competition in the awarding of a nine-month training program for future European diplomats, which the EEAS entrusted to the prestigious College of Europe. The alleged irregularities date back to the period 2021–2022, and according to the European Public Prosecutor's Office, possible charges include "procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and breach of professional secrecy".