Major Investigation Launched into EU Diplomatic Academy Fraud Allegations

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has initiated an investigation into allegations of fraud involving the College of Europe and the European External Action Service (EEAS), which oversees EU-funded training programs for diplomats. On Tuesday, searches were conducted at both the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, and the EEAS headquarters in Brussels, as part of a broader inquiry into claims of irregularities in a training program for novice diplomats. The investigation centers around a nine-month training course awarded to the College of Europe by the EEAS, following a bidding process that took place for the 2021-2022 period. There are significant concerns that the bidding process may have been tampered with, potentially leading to unfair advantages being granted to the College of Europe. The EPPO suspects that violations of Article 169 of the EU's Financial Regulation may have occurred, pertaining to the principles of fair competition in public procurement. As part of the operation, Belgian federal police have arrested three individuals, including the College of Europe's current rector, Federica Mogherini, who previously served as the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy from 2014 to 2019. Also detained was Stefano Sannino, the Director General of the Foreign Service for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf, and a former Deputy Secretary-General for Economic Affairs under Josep Borrell's term as High Representative. EPPO spokespersons have confirmed that strong suspicions persist concerning the potential sharing of confidential information with one of the bidders involved in the tender process. Community spokesperson Anitta Hipper affirmed during a recent press conference that the investigation is linked to activities conducted during the previous mandate of EEAS when Borrell was at the helm. The investigation into these allegations highlights deeper concerns regarding transparency and ethics within EU institutions, particularly in how public procurement processes are managed. Authorities are examining whether these allegations could constitute broader issues of corruption, conflict of interest, and violations of professional secrecy, with significant implications for EU governance. The European Commission has already acted on the allegations by endorsing the prosecution's request to lift the immunity of several suspects in the case. Initially, the events surrounding this inquiry were flagged to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), indicating that they may involve substantial violations of public trust. This incident marks a significant development in addressing accountability within the EU and reinforces the need for stringent oversight of public contracts to prevent malfeasance and uphold integrity across European institutions. The ongoing investigation aims not only to uncover any wrongdoing but also to restore faith in the operational transparency of essential bodies like the College of Europe and the EEAS. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2