Scandal at the College of Europe: Federica Mogherini fired after being detained in case of alleged EU tender fraud
3 December 2025 16:57
Former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini was released from custody in Brussels on December 3 after being questioned as part of an investigation into possible fraud related to the EU’s education program. This was reported by Euronews, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to Euronews, Mogherini’s detention and subsequent release was a key moment in the investigation, which focuses on possible abuses during the tender.
What is known about Mogherini’s detention
Federica Mogherini (currently head of the Graduate School of the College of Europe) and her colleagues were detained on December 2.
Along with Mogherini, the deputy director of the College of Europe was detained, as well as Stefano Sannino, a senior EU official who served as Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) in 2021-2024.
All detainees were released from custody on December 3. The reason for the release was that there was no risk of their escape. They have not yet been formally charged.
Nature of the investigation and searches
The investigation is into alleged fraud related to the financing and implementation of an EU education project:
The focus is on the European Union Diplomatic Academy, a nine-month training program for junior diplomats from EU member states, which was implemented by the College of Europe in 2021-2022.
The investigation suspects that the College of Europe may have received confidential, inside information about the terms of the tender for this program, which gave the institution an unfair advantage over its competitors.
On the eve of the detentions, searches were conducted both at the premises of the College of Europe Graduate School, headed by Mogherini, and at the offices of the EU Diplomatic Service (EEAS).
