Story perspectives

Former EU Official Arrested in Procurement Fraud Probe

12/2/2025

Summary

Story summary

The European Public Prosecutor's Office arrested three people, including Federica Mogherini (former EU foreign policy chief), in a procurement fraud probe.
The probe concerns a training program for junior diplomats conducted from 2021 to 2022.
Raids targeted the European External Action Service and the College of Europe amid allegations of unfair competition and confidentiality breaches.
The EPPO seeks to lift the immunity of several suspects as the investigation continues.

History

Historical Context

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) was established in 2013 to address the €3.5 billion lost annually to fraud against the EU budget, following a 2012 report. This initiative builds on earlier efforts, such as the creation of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) in 1999, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and accountability within EU institutions amid recent corruption allegations involving high-profile officials.

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Story summary

The European Public Prosecutor's Office arrested three people, including Federica Mogherini (former EU foreign policy chief), in a procurement fraud probe.
The probe concerns a training program for junior diplomats conducted from 2021 to 2022.
Raids targeted the European External Action Service and the College of Europe amid allegations of unfair competition and confidentiality breaches.
The EPPO seeks to lift the immunity of several suspects as the investigation continues.

1 / 2