Former European Union Commission Vice President and chief diplomat, Federica Mogherini, has been formally accused of procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and breach of professional secrecy. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) announced these allegations on October 4, 2023, following a significant investigation into fraud activities.
The investigation led to the detention of Mogherini and two other prominent figures. It involved searches at high-profile locations, including the College of Europe, the European foreign policy headquarters known as the European External Action Service (EEAS), and the residences of the suspects. The EPPO lifted their legal immunities under EU law, particularly Protocol (No 7) concerning the privileges and immunities of the European Union.
Mogherini, who served as the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs from 2014 to 2019 and was Italy’s foreign minister for a brief period, later became the rector of the College of Europe. This postgraduate institution in Bruges educates future EU diplomats. The allegations focus on a misappropriation involving 130,000 euros earmarked for a nine-month training program for junior diplomats.
Prosecutors suspect that the College of Europe, while Mogherini was rector in 2021-2022, violated EU tendering regulations by obtaining advance knowledge of the selection criteria for the funding. This advance notice allegedly gave them an unfair advantage, undermining the principles of fair competition that are essential for EU public funding contracts, which are typically awarded through a competitive tendering process.
The EPPO claims that this breach of Article 169 of the Financial Regulation, which safeguards fair competition, may have allowed confidential information regarding the procurement to be improperly shared with the institution before the official tender notice was published.
In response to the allegations, Mogherini stated her trust in the justice system and emphasized that the College of Europe has consistently upheld high standards of integrity and fairness. Following the announcement of the fraud charges, she resigned from her position as rector.
Current EU Commission Vice President Roxana Mînzatu expressed her shock regarding the allegations. She urged independent investigators to thoroughly pursue the case to maintain public trust in the EU as an institution.
As this investigation unfolds, it highlights significant concerns regarding transparency and accountability within the EU’s highest ranks. The EPPO’s actions underscore a commitment to addressing potential misconduct at all levels of European governance.
