European prosecutors have arrested three individuals — including former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini — during a major investigation into suspected procurement fraud involving EU-funded training programs for junior diplomats.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) confirmed the arrests but did not initially name the suspects. Mogherini, who now serves as rector of the College of Europe, was reportedly among those detained. Two others from diplomatic circles were also arrested on allegations of procurement fraud, corruption, and conflicts of interest. The College of Europe has not yet issued a statement.
According to the EPPO, coordinated searches took place at the College of Europe in Bruges, the European External Action Service (EEAS) headquarters in Brussels, and at multiple private residences. The investigation, supported by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), focuses on the EU Diplomatic Academy project — a nine-month training program awarded to the College of Europe in 2021–2022.
Prosecutors are examining whether representatives of the College were unlawfully informed about tender criteria before the official publication of the call for proposals. Authorities say there are strong suspicions that confidential information was shared during the procurement process, potentially violating Article 169 of the EU Financial Regulation, which requires fair competition.
Before conducting the searches, EPPO obtained approval to lift the immunity of several suspects. The investigation is ongoing.
