Belgian Police Detain Ex–EU Foreign Policy Chief in Tender Irregularities Case

Belgian Police Detain Ex–EU Foreign Policy Chief in Tender Irregularities Case

LN24 / 25 minutes

December 2, 2025

1 min read

Belgian authorities detained former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and senior diplomat Stefano Sannino as part of a widening fraud investigation involving EU-funded training programs. According to officials, the probe concerns suspected irregularities in the tender process for the European Union Diplomatic Academy, a nine-month training initiative for junior diplomats. The inquiry led to searches at the EU’s diplomatic service in Brussels, the College of Europe in Bruges—where Mogherini has served as rector since 2020—and the private residences of several individuals.

Investigators are examining whether confidential information was improperly shared during the tender awarded to the College of Europe in 2021–2022. Authorities stated that three people were detained, though identities were not formally released due to the active investigation. Immunity for several suspects was lifted prior to the searches.

Mogherini previously served as the EU’s high representative for foreign and security policy from 2014 to 2019, while Sannino recently held senior roles within the EU’s diplomatic service and now oversees a major regional department within the European Commission.

The EU diplomatic service confirmed it is cooperating fully with authorities, as is the College of Europe, both emphasizing their commitment to transparency and due process.