Former EU Official Arrested in Fraud Investigation Over Diplomat Training Funds

The arrest of Federica Mogherini, a former EU foreign policy chief and rector of the College of Europe, has ignited a significant scandal within the European Union. The European Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating alleged fraud related to an EU-funded training program for young diplomats during 2021/22. This probe also implicates Stefano Sannino, a former secretary-general of the European External Action Service, and involves the potential misuse of funds in the purchase of a building in Bruges.

Belgian authorities conducted raids at the European External Action Service's offices in Brussels and the College of Europe in Bruges, detaining three individuals. The investigation examines whether there was any fraudulent activity in the awarding of contracts for the training programs. This scandal echoes previous corruption issues within the EU, such as the Qatargate scandal, and raises concerns about the integrity of EU institutions.

The case highlights broader issues of transparency and accountability within EU-funded projects, as well as the challenges of maintaining ethical governance. As investigations continue, the impact on the reputations of those involved and EU institutions remains a significant concern.