Former top EU diplomat resigns following fraud allegations
Photo: Federica Mogherini, former EU foreign policy chief (Getty Images)
Former EU official Federica Mogherini has announced her resignation as Rector of the College of Europe amid a high-profile investigation concerning allegations of fraud and possible favoritism, according to Euractiv.
"In line with the utmost rigour and fairness with which I have always carried out my duties, I have today decided to resign as rector," Mogherini said in a statement following a meeting of the College of Europe’s Executive Committee.
Her decision came immediately after another senior EU official, Stefano Sannino, confirmed that he would also step down at the end of December.
Both have been named as suspects in a case being investigated by the EU Public Prosecutor’s Office. Sannino heads the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf.
The investigation concerns an annual contract with the College of Europe, awarded as part of a tender to launch a new academy for training young diplomats and civil servants.
According to the investigation, in 2021–2022, there may have been collusion between the College and the EU diplomatic service, including alleged prior information about the tender conditions, which was formally open to universities across Europe.
Mogherini remains innocent while the investigation is ongoing.
"I have full confidence in the justice system, and I trust that the correctness of the College’s action will be ascertained," Mogherini said, adding she would offer "full collaboration to the authorities."
Mogherini had led the College of Europe since 2020, overseeing campuses in Bruges, Warsaw, and Tirana.
In 2022, she became the director of the newly established EU Diplomatic Academy — a position that was made permanent in 2024, with funding of €1.7 million per year.
College of Europe President Herman Van Rompuy declined to comment, noting that he has not given an interview in six years.
What led up to it
The scandal erupted following a series of raids as part of an investigation into possible fraud, corruption, and the improper use of European Union funds.
The inquiry is examining the implementation of EU diplomat training programs, where the method of funding allocation has raised serious concerns about its transparency.
The situation has dealt a significant blow to the reputation of European institutions, as it is the first time officials of such a high level have been implicated in a case of this kind.
The high-profile resignations may be only the first step in a broader wave of personnel and political decisions, as the investigation continues and increasingly involves other EU diplomatic structures and projects.
Previously, we reported that on 2 December in Belgium, following raids, Federica Mogherini was detained as part of an investigation into the potential misuse of EU funds.
As part of the same investigation, law enforcement also questioned Stefano Sannino, after which he resigned early.
She held a previous post from 2014 to 2019. Since September 2020, she has served as Rector of the College of Europe.
Only recently, the EU itself hinted to Ukraine that effective anti-corruption measures are a mandatory condition for joining the bloc.
