Overview
- EU prosecutors have opened a criminal procedure alleging procurement fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest and breach of professional secrecy tied to a training contract.
- Belgian police searched the EU External Action Service in Brussels, the College of Europe in Bruges and private homes, detaining three suspects after immunity waivers were granted.
- The contract concerned a nine‑month academy for junior diplomats; investigators note an initial €654,000 start-up grant and a later €1 million pledge to the College of Europe.
- The three suspects—Federica Mogherini, Stefano Sannino and College official Cesare Zegretti—were questioned and released with no flight risk; Mogherini voiced confidence in the justice system and the College pledged full cooperation.
- Investigators cite a strong suspicion that confidential tender information was shared with a bidder; Sannino signaled early retirement, and EPPO- and OLAF-led inquiries continue with no convictions.