Former European Union top diplomat released after being detained in fraud investigation

Former European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini, along with two other individuals, has been released after being questioned in connection with a fraud investigation, according to the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) on Wednesday.

The three were informed of the charges against them, which include procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and breach of professional confidentiality. Authorities decided to release them as they are not considered a risk of fleeing.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Belgian law enforcement conducted searches at the EU's diplomatic service headquarters in Brussels and at the College of Europe in Bruges. Searches were also carried out at the residences of the suspects.

The investigation focuses on the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the College of Europe, over alleged irregularities concerning a training programme for EU diplomats financed by the EU.

Mogherini, who previously served as Italy's foreign minister and as head of the EEAS, currently holds positions as director of the European Union Diplomatic Academy and rector of the College of Europe. The other two suspects are reported by Belgian media to be a former EEAS secretary general and the deputy director of the College of Europe.

According to EPPO, the College of Europe was responsible for implementing a training programme for junior EU diplomats following a formal tender process conducted by EEAS. The probe examines whether the university or its representatives had prior knowledge of the selection criteria or were aware they would secure the project before the tender was published.

The College of Europe has stated its full cooperation with investigators. EPPO emphasized that "there are strong suspicions" of breaches of financial regulations and leaks of confidential information, while reaffirming that all parties are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Author: Riley Thompson