Raids were conducted in Brussels and Bruges related to an investigation into the possible misuse of European Union funds. According to the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), searches were initiated in the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the College of Europe, as well as in the homes of several suspects, as part of a case concerning a training program for young diplomats.
As stated in the EPPO press release, the searches were carried out at the request of the prosecution, approved by an investigative judge. The Federal Police (FGP West-Vlaanderen) conducted checks at several buildings of the educational institution in Bruges and at the EEAS.
The operation was supported by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), during which documents were seized and three individuals were detained. The prosecution reports possible cases of procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and violation of professional secrecy. Immunity has also been lifted from some suspects, as specified in the press release.
According to AFP, among those detained was Federica Mogherini, the former High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security. She is in custody, as sources report, because the case concerns the use of budget funds of the College of Europe, where she currently serves as rector.
Additionally, Stefano Sanini, an Italian diplomat who previously headed the EEAS and now holds the position of Director-General of the European Commission for the Middle East, North Africa, and Gulf States, was also detained.
The investigation focuses on funds allocated to the College of Europe in 2021 and 2022 for the implementation of a nine-month diplomat training program. Investigators are examining the possibility of prior collusion between the EU diplomatic service and the educational institution in Bruges. The prosecution points to serious suspicions of violations of Article 169 of the Financial Regulation concerning ensuring fair competition, as well as the transfer of confidential information to one of the tender participants.
Federica Mogherini served as the EU's High Representative from 2014 to 2019, and her successor is Kaia Kalas. The EPPO emphasizes that all detainees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Source: Deutsche Welle
