Former EU top diplomat Mogherini held in fraud probe • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Procurement fraud
• Corruption
• Conflict of interest
• Violation of professional secrecy
• European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO)
• College of Europe
• EU diplomatic academy
• Favoritism
• Belgian Federal Police
• European Commission

Allegations Against Federica Mogherini and Others

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has taken Federica Mogherini, the EU's former foreign policy chief, and two other individuals into custody. The allegations against Mogherini, if confirmed, could include procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and violation of professional secrecy. The EPPO's investigation is focused on activities that occurred during a previous mandate.

Background of Federica Mogherini

Federica Mogherini served as Italy's foreign minister and subsequently as the EU's foreign policy chief from 2014 to 2019. Following this, she assumed the role of head of the College of Europe five years ago. The College of Europe is described as a prestigious institution dedicated to training European civil servants.

Suspected Favoritism in Awarding Training Program

The EPPO suspects Mogherini of favoritism in the awarding of a training program for future diplomats, known as the EU diplomatic academy. This program was awarded to the College of Europe in 2021. Further complicating matters, Mogherini also took over the leadership of the academy in 2022.

Law Enforcement Action and Additional Arrests

The Belgian Federal Police conducted searches at the College of Europe buildings on Tuesday. These searches were part of the ongoing investigation. In addition to Mogherini, two other individuals were arrested: Stefanosino, a senior European Commission official, and the deputy head of the College of Europe.

Role and Mandate of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO)

The European Public Prosecutor's Office was established in 2021. It operates as an independent body of the European Union. Its primary mandate is to investigate and prosecute offenses that impact the financial interests of the EU bloc.

Logical Connections and Synthesis

The investigation by the EPPO into Mogherini's alleged misconduct is directly linked to her leadership roles at the College of Europe and her involvement in the awarding of the EU diplomatic academy training program. The EPPO's mandate to protect the EU's financial interests provides the legal framework for this investigation. The arrests and searches indicate a serious progression in the inquiry, suggesting substantial evidence has been gathered. The involvement of a senior European Commission official alongside the College of Europe's deputy head highlights the potential breadth of the corruption or fraud allegations.

Conclusion

The ongoing investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office into Federica Mogherini and two other individuals centers on allegations of procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and violation of professional secrecy. The core of the suspicion lies in alleged favoritism concerning the awarding of the EU diplomatic academy training program to the College of Europe, an institution headed by Mogherini. The EPPO, an independent body tasked with safeguarding the EU's financial interests, is leading the investigation, which has resulted in arrests and searches by the Belgian Federal Police. The case underscores the EPPO's role in ensuring accountability within EU institutions and their associated entities.