Former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini detained in investigation over alleged training programme fraud
Former European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini was taken into custody on Tuesday as Belgian police carried out a series of coordinated raids linked to an investigation into suspected fraud involving an EU-funded diplomat training programme. The operation marks one of the most high-profile law enforcement actions involving a former senior EU official in recent years.
Mogherini, who served as the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs from 2014 to 2019, currently heads the College of Europe, a respected graduate school specializing in European affairs. Authorities searched the school’s premises as part of the inquiry, along with offices at the European External Action Service, the EU’s diplomatic body. Investigators are examining possible irregularities in an EU-backed training initiative intended to prepare future diplomats for careers within European institutions.
According to a source close to the investigation, Mogherini was detained in Brussels along with the deputy head of the College of Europe and Stefano Sannino, a senior EU official who previously served as secretary general of the EEAS from 2021 to 2024. The alleged scheme under scrutiny involves potential misuse of EU funds allocated for training programmes, as well as questions surrounding administrative procedures and oversight responsibilities.
Authorities have not yet released details on the specific allegations or the timeline under investigation. Belgian prosecutors have also not issued a formal statement naming the individuals detained, in line with the country’s rules on ongoing inquiries. However, officials confirmed that the raids were part of a broader effort to determine whether contracts, training activities or financial reporting linked to the programme were improperly managed.
The College of Europe, with campuses in Bruges and Natolin, has long been regarded as a leading institution for training European policy professionals. Mogherini assumed leadership of the school after her term as the EU’s top diplomat, and she has since overseen its academic programmes and international partnerships. Her arrest has generated significant attention across European political circles given her prominent role in shaping EU foreign and security policy.
The European External Action Service has acknowledged that its offices were searched but has declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation. A spokesperson said the EEAS is cooperating fully with authorities and will support efforts to clarify any questions related to the programme.
The detentions come at a moment when EU institutions are under rising scrutiny over governance, internal controls and transparency. Recent corruption probes in the European Parliament have increased pressure on the bloc to strengthen oversight of funding mechanisms and administrative procedures.
As the investigation continues, officials stress that the individuals detained have not been formally charged. Belgian authorities are expected to provide further details once preliminary examinations of documents and digital records collected during the raids are complete.
