Former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini, along with senior EU officials, was detained by Belgian police as part of an investigation initiated by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). They have been charged with procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and breach of professional secrecy.

According to the allegations, rules governing the tender for a training program for young EU diplomats may have been violated: the selected institution — the College of Europe — is suspected of having gained an unfair advantage due to leaked confidential information. Searches were conducted following raids at the EEAS offices in Brussels, at the College of Europe in Bruges, and at the residences of suspects.

The case has caused wide public resonance: it is one of the most high-profile examples of potential misconduct within European institutions, demonstrating that even former top officials can be held accountable for financial crimes. All suspects remain innocent until a court verdict is issued.