Belgian police have detained former European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and senior EU diplomat Stefano Sannino as part of a fraud investigation linked to EU-funded training programs for junior diplomats. The investigation, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), included multiple raids at key locations, including the EU’s diplomatic service in Brussels and the prestigious College of Europe in Bruges.
The EPPO stated that the investigation centers on “suspected fraud related to EU-funded training for junior diplomats.” It is alleged that confidential information may have been improperly shared during the tender process for the European Union Diplomatic Academy, a nine-month program awarded to the College of Europe for the 2021-2022 term. The prosecutor’s office indicated that there are “strong suspicions” that one of the candidates involved gained an unfair advantage.
The investigation has sent shockwaves through Brussels’ diplomatic circles, given the prominence of both Mogherini and Sannino. Mogherini, who served as Italy’s foreign minister before her tenure as the EU’s high representative for foreign and security policy from 2014 to 2019, has been the rector of the College of Europe since 2020. Sannino, another notable figure, held the position of the most senior civil servant in the EU diplomatic service from 2021 to 2024 and currently directs the European Commission’s department for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf.
In a statement, the EPPO confirmed that three individuals had been detained but did not disclose their identities due to the ongoing investigation. Both Mogherini and Sannino were unavailable for comment at the time of reporting. The prosecutor’s office also noted that prior to the raids, it had requested the lifting of immunity for several suspects, which was granted.
A spokeswoman for the EU diplomatic service confirmed that police visited its offices on Tuesday as part of the investigation into activities that occurred before the appointment of the current foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas. Anitta Hipper, the spokeswoman, stated that the diplomatic service is fully cooperating with the authorities but could not provide additional comments due to the sensitive nature of the investigation.
The College of Europe has expressed its commitment to transparency, stating that it will “fully co-operate with the authorities in the interest of transparency and respect for the investigative process.” The institution also affirmed its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and compliance in both academic and administrative matters.
As the investigation unfolds, the EPPO has emphasized that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the competent Belgian courts. This developing situation highlights the complexities and challenges faced within EU institutions, particularly concerning financial oversight and accountability in training programs for future diplomats.
