BRUSSELS — Federica Mogherini, the European Union’s former foreign policy chief, has resigned from her leadership role at the prestigious College of Europe following her involvement in a burgeoning fraud investigation. The announcement came Thursday as Belgian authorities continue their probe into alleged procurement irregularities at the institution.
Mogherini stepped down from her dual positions as Rector of the Bruges-based College of Europe and Director of the European Union Diplomatic Academy. In her resignation statement, she emphasized her commitment to “utmost rigor and fairness” in fulfilling her duties but provided no specific explanation for her departure.
The investigation escalated Tuesday when Belgian federal police conducted simultaneous raids at both the EU diplomatic service headquarters in Brussels and the College of Europe campus in Bruges. Mogherini was detained for questioning along with a senior college administrator and a European Commission official. All three were subsequently released after investigators determined they presented no flight risk.
According to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation centers on multiple allegations including procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and breaches of professional secrecy. The probe examines potential misconduct in the awarding of contracts and management of funds at the esteemed institution known for training Europe’s future diplomats.
Despite the serious allegations, Mogherini expressed pride in her accomplishments during her tenure and gratitude for the support received from students, faculty, and alumni. The College of Europe, established in 1949, has long served as a premier educational institution for European affairs and international relations.