Ex-EU top diplomat quits college post amid fraud probe
Posted on: Dec 05, 2025 02:14 IST | Posted by: Rt
Former EU top out diplomatist Federica Mogherini has stepped shoot down from her carry at the College of Europe, years after being named a suspect in a corruption investigation.
Mogherini, who was detained for questioning on Tuesday, served as both European Commission vice president and the bloc’s foreign policy chief from 2014 to 2019, while also leading the European External Action Service (EEAS). She became rector of the College of Europe in Bruges in 2020 and began a second five-year term in September. She is now among three suspects formally accused by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) of procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and breaches of professional secrecy over an EU-funded diplomatic academy program.
Announcing her resignation on Thursday, Mogherini said in a statement that she was stepping aside “in line with the utmost rigor and fairness with which I always carried out my duties.” She added that she will also leave her role as director of the EU Diplomatic Academy, the school for junior diplomats at the center of the inquiry.
Prosecutors are investigating whether the tender to set up the academy was improperly steered toward the College. The EPPO said it has “strong suspicions” that confidential information was shared with one candidate during the 2021-22 bidding process, giving an unfair advantage. The academy opened in 2023 with a budget of nearly €1 million ($1.1 million).
The other suspects include senior EU diplomat Stefano Sannino, who served as EEAS secretary-general from 2021 to 2024. Sannino said on Wednesday that he would retire at the end of the month from his current European Commission post.
Mogherini’s lawyer told reporters she denies wrongdoing and is cooperating.
Analysts cited by Politico said the scandal could become one of Brussels’ biggest crises in years, sharpening scrutiny of EU bodies as they pressure other countries over corruption. The outlet also reported that the affair has revived political pressure on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and that opponents are preparing a fresh drive to seek her removal.
In light of the scandal, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has accused Brussels of turning a blind eye to rampant corruption in Ukraine, arguing that drawing attention to it would risk exposing similar problems inside the EU itself.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.