• World column journalist

The investigation concerns the alleged misuse of EU funds

During the raid, documents were seized, and the suspects were brought in for questioning

Federica Mogherini, former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, was detained in Brussels as part of a fraud investigation involving the College of Europe and the EU's External Affairs Service, Belgian media reported.

Federica Mogherini arrested for fraud

Mogherini is currently the Rector of the College of Europe and held the position of EU High Representative for Foreign Policy.

Belgian police on Tuesday raided the EU diplomatic service in Brussels, along with the College of Europe in Bruges and private homes, as part of an investigation into alleged misuse of EU funds, according to people familiar with the investigation and witnesses.

Police raid in the heart of the EU

In addition to raids and arrests in the early hours of the morning, the police confiscated documents.

Those arrested will be questioned on suspicion of:

• Fraud in public procurement
• Corruption
• Criminal offense of conflict of interest

According to"Euraktiv", about 10 police officers entered the headquarters of the European External Action Service (EEAS) at 7:30 am on Tuesday, an eyewitness said. Another EU official from the EU diplomatic service confirmed the raid.

The criminal investigation was launched after allegations that the EEAS and the College of Europe misused EU public money in 2021 and 2022, according to four people familiar with the investigation.

The raids are the latest major scandal to hit EU institutions and will put pressure on the College of Europe and Rector Federica Mogherini.

What is the College of Europe?

Investigators are looking into whether the College of Europe or its representatives had prior knowledge of a public tender to fund the new EU Diplomatic Academy, an annual training program for European diplomats in Bruges funded by the European External Action Service (EEAS).

The College of Europe, founded in 1949, is considered the EU's finishing school for diplomats and civil servants, and its alumni include senior politicians and officials in European institutions.

Investigators have focused on the circumstances of the college's purchase of a building in Bruges, which houses diplomats attending the academy, for 3.2 million euros, four people familiar with the investigation said.

The College of Europe bought the building in 2022 during a period of financial trouble, just before the European External Action Service (EEAS) launched a tender that later awarded the institution €654,000 in funding, two people familiar with the investigation said.

Investigators looked into allegations that the College of Europe and its representatives had access to confidential information about the tender, which was supposed to remain confidential to allow fair competition between institutions vying to host the new academy.

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Who is Federica Mogherini: She mediated the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina

Federica Mogherini was the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission from 2014 to 2019.

She was one of the main mediators in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. She repeatedly called for implementation of the Agreement on ZSO (Community of Serbian Municipalities).

She organized key rounds of negotiations and several meetings between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Hashim Thaci.

Mogherini visited Serbia several times.

Mogherini: Serbia has the preconditions for a historic opportunity to join the EU

In November last year, she stated that Serbia has the preconditions for a historic chance to join the EU.

- As I mentioned recently, this is a key moment for both Serbia and the region. There is real momentum, and Serbia has tangible chances to get closer to EU membership. Even if some have lost faith that it will happen, I hope that here in Serbia there is enough energy and determination to take advantage of this moment - Mogherini stated for NIN.

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She added that the opportunity is very real and depends on the steps taken today, as well as that the willingness of the EU to fulfill its obligations is equally important.

- Enlargement is not only a benefit for candidate countries, because it also strengthens the EU as a whole. A more integrated Western Balkans brings greater political stability and economic growth on the continent - said Mogherini.

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Answering the question whether the EU can do something more regarding the difficult situation of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, especially in the north of the province, Mogherini stated that the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina remains a fundamental part of the EU accession process.

- It is a complex issue, and tensions have undoubtedly increased in recent years, especially in the north of Kosovo. The European Union plays a key role in facilitating dialogue and finding solutions - said Mogherini.

Who is Federica Mogherini and what else did she say about Serbia read in the separate article"Blica".