Belgian authorities have detained Federica Mogherini, the former EU foreign policy chief, and a senior diplomat in a fraud investigation. The probe, led by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), focuses on alleged irregularities in a training program for junior diplomats funded by the EU. The investigation, which included raids at the EU's diplomatic service and the College of Europe, a prestigious institution in Bruges, uncovered suspicions of confidential information being shared with a tender participant. The EPPO requested the lifting of immunity for several suspects before the searches, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation. The EU diplomatic service, where Mogherini once served, is fully cooperating with the authorities, while the College of Europe has pledged transparency and adherence to integrity standards. This high-profile case has sent shockwaves through the EU community, raising questions about the integrity of EU-funded programs and the potential impact on diplomatic circles.
