Former EU High Representative Federica Mogherini voiced confidence in the judicial process after being formally notified that she is a suspect in an ongoing fraud investigation concerning an EU-funded training programme. Her remarks followed an extensive interrogation by Belgian authorities and a search of her Brussels residence.
Mogherini and senior European Commission official Stefano Sannino were both questioned and later released as part of a broader inquiry into allegations of improperly shared confidential information within the European External Action Service.
Investigation continues after search and interrogation
The probe, first reported by Euractiv, focuses on suspicions of preferential treatment and irregularities surrounding a tender awarded by the EU’s diplomatic service to the College of Europe. Mogherini, who led the EEAS from 2014 to 2019 and has served as rector of the College of Europe since 2020, was interrogated from early afternoon until shortly after midnight on Tuesday.
According to her lawyer, Mariapaola Cherchi, Mogherini responded “with total transparency” and remained “very serene” throughout what she described as a demanding experience for someone with a long career in European institutions. Cherchi said the questioning was polite and centred on detailed explanations regarding the tender under scrutiny.
Authorities confirm suspect status
Following the hearing, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Mogherini had been officially informed of her status as a suspect. The investigation remains open as prosecutors assess whether the evidence points towards clearance or further implication. EPPO added that she was released without restrictions because she is not considered a flight risk and continues to benefit from the presumption of innocence.
In a written statement, Mogherini said she had “full confidence in the justice system” and expressed certainty that the “correctness” of the College of Europe’s actions would be verified. She also stressed her intention to offer full cooperation to investigators.
Allegations around tender allocation
The inquiry examines whether the procurement process for a programme aimed at training future diplomats was manipulated and whether the College of Europe had prior knowledge of selection criteria that could have placed it at an advantage. Belgian police also conducted searches at the EEAS headquarters as part of the investigation.
Authorities have not yet provided a timeline for the next steps, and the case remains active as documents and testimonies continue to be evaluated.