Belgian authorities have released former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and European Commission official Stefano Sannino, along with a third suspect, following questioning in a corruption investigation tied to an EU-funded training academy for junior diplomats. No charges have been filed at this time, and all three are presumed innocent.

The detained individuals are prominent figures in European institutions. Mogherini served as the EU’s top foreign policy official at the European External Action Service (EEAS) from 2014 to 2019 and has held the position of rector at the College of Europe since 2020. Sannino currently directs the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf (DG MENA), having previously been EEAS secretary general from 2021 to 2024. The third suspect is reported to be a senior College of Europe staff member and Italian national, further linking the inquiry to the academic institution ecosystem.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) initiated the probe, prompting searches at both the College of Europe in Bruges and the EEAS in Brussels. Authorities informed the three individuals of potential accusations, including procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and breaches of professional secrecy. They were released promptly, with prosecutors noting they are not considered a flight risk.

Central to the investigation is whether the EEAS violated procurement rules by allegedly sharing confidential information regarding a training project with the College of Europe before the formal awarding of the contract. Such actions could constitute a breach of EU competition and transparency standards. In response, the College of Europe issued a statement affirming its commitment to cooperate with authorities while maintaining strict standards of integrity, fairness, and compliance.