A judge in Belgium released former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini overnight, after she and two others were detained on Tuesday in connection with a corruption and procurement-fraud investigation.
The charges relate to alleged irregularities in awarding a contract for the European Union Diplomatic Academy, a nine-month training programme for junior diplomats. Prosecutors say a tender run by the European External Action Service (EEAS) in 2021–2022 was skewed, with “strong suspicions” that confidential procurement information was shared with an applicant — the College of Europe, where Mogherini is Rector and Zegretti runs executive education.
The accusations include procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest and breach of professional secrecy.
Police carried out raids on EEAS offices in Brussels, the College of Europe in Bruges and several private residences. All three detainees were formally notified of the charges and released because they are not considered flight risks.
Statement from The College of Europe
In a Press Release, the College of Europe made the following statement. “The College of Europe has today been informed of the investigative actions taken by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). In this context, searches were conducted at our Bruges Campus premises.
The College of Europe will fully cooperate with the authorities in the interest of transparency and respect for the investigative process.
The College remains committed to the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and compliance — both in academic and administrative matters.
The College takes all necessary measures to ensure the continuity of its activities.
We have no further comment at this stage to avoid prejudicing the ongoing investigation.”
The case marks a serious crackdown by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) on alleged misuse of EU funds, and raises concern over transparency in EU procurement and training programmes.
