Former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has resigned as rector of the College of Europe amidst an ongoing fraud investigation, according to a statement released on Thursday.
Earlier this week, Federica Mogherini and two others was accused by the The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) of procurement fraud and corruption.
The investigation centers on suspected fraud linked to EU-funded training for junior diplomats.
Mogherini's lawyer has denied any wrongdoing, stating that she is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Stefano Sannino, another senior EU diplomat and suspect in the case, announced in an email seen by Reuters on Wednesday that he would retire early this month.
He explained that, given the probe, it was inappropriate for him to continue in his role. Sannino expressed confidence that the situation would be clarified, but he has not responded to further comment requests from Reuters.
Mogherini, who served as the EU's high representative for foreign and security policy and head of its diplomatic service from 2014 to 2019, became rector of the College of Europe, a postgraduate institute of European studies, in 2020.
The 52-year-old Mogherini also previously served as Italy's foreign minister for eight months under Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's center-left government, a role that was seen as a surprise due to her relatively limited experience at the time.
Both Mogherini and Sannino, Italian nationals, are well-known figures in Brussels diplomatic circles. The news of the allegations has sent shockwaves through the EU community.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called the allegations "deeply shocking" in a letter sent to staff of the EU's diplomatic service on Wednesday, which was later seen by Reuters.
He stressed that the allegations should not overshadow the important work done by the vast majority of EU employees.
The Middle East crisis intensifies after the deadly attack on the compound of the Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei on Saturday t...
The U.S.-Iran crisis has entered its third day, with further strikes reported across the Middle East and the death toll rising. Oil prices have sur...
Israel carried out heavy airstrikes on the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday (2 March), af...
Türkiye and Iran have suspended day-trip passenger crossings at their shared border, Türkiye's trade minister said Monday, as a ...
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov following recent mil...
The Middle East crisis intensifies after the deadly attack on the compound of the Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei on Saturday that killed him, other family members and senior figures. Iran has launched retaliatory strikes on U.S. targets in the region.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov following recent military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on targets in Iran, as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Kazakhstan is assessing the impact on its trade routes, diplomatic ties and citizens in the region. Analysts say the crisis could test Astana’s ability to balance economic interests, security concerns and foreign policy priorities.
The Kremlin is utilising the recent United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran to validate its ongoing war in Ukraine. Russian officials are pointing to the escalation in the Middle East as evidence that Western nations do not adhere to international rules.
Follow the latest developments and global reaction after the U.S. and Israel launched “major combat operations” in Iran, prompting retaliation from Tehran.
Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant Saudi Aramco closed its Ras Tanura refinery on Monday following an Iranian drone strike, an industry source told Reuters as Tehran retaliated across the Gulf after a U.S.-Israeli attack on Iranian targets over the weekend.
The Kremlin is utilising the recent United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran to validate its ongoing war in Ukraine. Russian officials are pointing to the escalation in the Middle East as evidence that Western nations do not adhere to international rules.
The Middle East crisis intensifies after the deadly attack on the compound of the Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei on Saturday that killed him, other family members and senior figures. Iran has launched retaliatory strikes on U.S. targets in the region.
Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has moved into a pivotal constitutional role following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, becoming the clerical member of Iran’s temporary leadership council under Article 111 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The U.S.-Iran crisis has entered its third day, with further strikes reported across the Middle East and the death toll rising. Oil prices have surged to levels last seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, raising fears of economic disruption and higher prices worldwide.
The UK said it's allowing the U.S. to use its bases for defensive strikes against Iran amid escalating missile attacks, after a suspected drone strike hit a British airbase in southern Cyprus, causing limited damage.
The Kremlin is utilising the recent United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran to validate its ongoing war in Ukraine. Russian officials are pointing to the escalation in the Middle East as evidence that Western nations do not adhere to international rules.
European Union stands with its member states in the face of any threat, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in response to the drone strike that hit Britain's Royal Air Force base of Akrotiri in southern Cyprus overnight.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 27th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment