Federica Mogherini, former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has been arrested as part of a high-profile anti-fraud investigation targeting EU-funded diplomat training programmes. The probe centres on allegations of procurement fraud, corruption, and breach of professional secrecy, with searches conducted at the College of Europe and the European External Action Service (EEAS) offices in Brussels and Bruges.
Inverted Pyramid News Report
Federica Mogherini, who served as the EU’s top diplomat from 2014 to 2019, was taken into custody on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, during a series of coordinated raids by Belgian police and EU prosecutors. The investigation, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, focuses on a suspected fraud scheme involving the awarding of a major training contract for junior diplomats to the College of Europe, an elite graduate school where Mogherini is currently rector.
Details of the Investigation
According to prosecutors, the probe is examining whether the tender process for the European Union Diplomatic Academy programme was manipulated to favour the College of Europe, where Mogherini now holds leadership. The programme, awarded in 2021 and 2022, was valued at several million euros and involved the training of junior diplomats from across EU member states. Authorities allege that confidential information related to the procurement process may have been shared with the College before the tender was awarded, raising concerns of procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and violation of professional secrecy.
Scope of Police Raids
Belgian federal police conducted searches at the College of Europe in Bruges, the EEAS headquarters in Brussels, and the homes of several suspects, including Mogherini and her deputy at the College, as well as Stefano Sannino, former secretary general of the EEAS. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that three individuals were detained as part of the operation, following the lifting of their diplomatic immunity.
Official Statements and Reactions
The European Commission, through spokeswoman Anitta Hipper, acknowledged the raids and stated that the investigation concerns activities from the previous mandate and is ongoing to clarify the facts. The European Anti-Fraud Office is also supporting the probe, having first received the accusations before the investigation was launched. Prosecutors emphasised that the probe is focused on whether criminal offences, including procurement fraud and corruption, have taken place.
Background on the Case
The College of Europe is a prestigious institution that trains many of Europe’s future civil servants and diplomats. Mogherini has led the institution since 2020, after her tenure as EU High Representative ended in 2019. The investigation is not the first recent high-profile fraud case targeting EU officials; in October 2025, seven individuals were arrested in a separate €48 million VAT fraud scheme, also under the jurisdiction of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Legal and Institutional Implications
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has the authority to investigate and prosecute crimes against the financial interests of the EU. If the allegations against Mogherini and her associates are substantiated, they could face serious criminal charges, including procurement fraud, corruption, and breach of professional secrecy. The lifting of diplomatic immunity for the suspects highlights the gravity of the allegations and the determination of EU authorities to pursue accountability.
International Media Coverage
Multiple international outlets have reported the story, including The Guardian, Le Monde, The National News, DW, Euronews, Greek Reporter, European Newsroom, and others, confirming the details of the arrests and the nature of the investigation. These reports cite statements from prosecutors, police sources, and EU officials, ensuring a comprehensive and neutral account of the unfolding events.
Key Points
- Federica Mogherini, former EU High Representative, arrested in Belgium on December 2, 2025.
- Investigation concerns suspected fraud in the awarding of a major EU diplomat training contract to the College of Europe.
- Raids conducted at College of Europe, EEAS offices, and suspects’ homes.
- Allegations include procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and breach of professional secrecy.
- European Public Prosecutor’s Office and European Anti-Fraud Office are leading the probe.
- Three suspects detained, including Mogherini and two other high-ranking officials.
- Investigation ongoing; EU Commission confirms involvement and supports the process.
This major development has sent shockwaves through EU diplomatic circles and is being closely watched by legal and political observers across Europe.
