Federica Mogherini, former EU foreign policy chief, has been taken into custody in Belgium as part of an ongoing anti-fraud investigation involving a European Union-funded training programme for junior diplomats.

Belgian authorities detained Mogherini on December 2, 2025, alongside two other individuals, as reported by Belgian broadcaster VRT, Belga, and Euractiv. The arrests follow police raids at the College of Europe campus in Bruges and the Brussels offices of the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU’s diplomatic wing.

Background of the Investigation

The probe, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), focuses on suspected irregularities in a nine-month diplomatic training programme known as the European Union Diplomatic Academy, which provides training for junior diplomats across EU member states.

According to the EPPO, the programme was awarded to the College of Europe for the 2021–2022 period, and investigators are examining whether the tender process was manipulated to favor the institution. The office stated there were “strong suspicions that confidential information related to the ongoing procurement was shared with one of the candidates participating in the tender.”

Other Individuals Detained

Reports indicate that Stefano Sannino, former EEAS secretary-general from 2021 to 2024, is also in custody. Belgian federal police conducted searches at the homes of suspects as part of the investigation, which could potentially involve procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and violation of professional secrecy.

The European Commission confirmed the raids and described the matter as an “ongoing investigation.” Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper stated:

“We can confirm that the police was today at the EEAS buildings, and this is part of the ongoing investigation of the activities that took place in the previous mandate.”

Mogherini’s Current Roles

Federica Mogherini served as the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy from 2014 to 2019. She currently heads the College of Europe and oversees the European Union Diplomatic Academy.

The probe raises potential conflict of interest concerns, as Mogherini was directly involved in awarding the tender and managing the programme under investigation.

EPPO and OLAF Involvement

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is responsible for investigating crimes affecting the EU’s financial interests. The investigation is supported by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), which first received reports of the alleged irregularities.

The EPPO stated that immunity of several suspects had been lifted to allow the searches and detentions to proceed. Authorities are working to clarify the facts and determine whether any criminal offences have occurred.

Potential Implications

If allegations are confirmed, the case could have far-reaching consequences for EU institutions, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and governance in EU-funded programmes. The investigation also underscores the EU’s commitment to combating corruption and protecting its financial interests.

As the investigation continues, Belgian authorities and EU institutions are coordinating to ensure a thorough and independent examination of the facts surrounding the alleged procurement fraud.