Belgian police detain former EU diplomatic chief in Bruges probe

Former EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini was among three individuals arrested by Belgian police on December 2 in connection with a wide-ranging investigation into the financing of a Bruges-based academy for young diplomats, according to two sources familiar with the probe, speaking to Euractiv.

As part of the investigation into alleged misuse of EU funds, Belgian authorities conducted raids at the College of Europe, where Mogherini serves as rector, as well as at private residences, according to witnesses and sources familiar with the case.

A spokesperson for the College of Europe, where Mogherini has held the rector position since 2020, declined to confirm whether she had been arrested and offered no further comment. Mogherini previously led the European External Action Service (EEAS) from 2014 to 2019 and has served as director of the College’s Diplomatic Academy since 2022.

Another employee from the College’s executive education department was also detained, the sources added.

In addition, Stefano Sannino, a senior European Commission official who served as EEAS secretary-general under Mogherini during the period when the Diplomatic Academy was established, was taken into custody. Sannino currently serves as director general of the Commission’s Middle East, North Africa, and Gulf department.

The European Commission confirmed that Belgian police were present at EEAS buildings on Tuesday, emphasizing that the actions are part of an ongoing investigation into activities carried out during the previous mandate. The Commission declined to provide further details.

Herman Van Rompuy, former European Council president and current president of the administrative council of the College of Europe in Bruges, said: “Half an hour ago, I was informed about what is happening in Bruges.”

By Tamilla Hasanova