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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv was ready to halt strikes on Russian energy facilities if Moscow stops targeting Ukraine’s ...
G7 foreign ministers called on Iran to end its arming and support of Houthis in Yemen, which they said constituted...
When U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on 24 September, trad...
Iran's military has threatened to launch sustained attacks on U.S. bases and interests across the Middle East if Washington resumes military action against Tehran.
The death toll from an overnight Russian attack on the Kyiv region rose to four, including three children, Kyiv regional authorities said on Sunday. A mother and her two 3-year-old children were killed when a Russian drone strike hit a private home, the emergency service said.
Overnight Russian strikes on the city of Sumy, northeast Ukraine, have killed one woman and injured a man, the country's State Emergency Service has said.
Russian parliamentary elections have delivered a comfortable win to the ruling United Russia party, which is closely aligned to President Vladimir Putin. With more than 95 per cent of ballots counted, United Russia has taken 57.83 per cent of the vote, up from the 49.8 per cent it won in 2021.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) took first place in state elections in northeastern Germany on Sunday, voting projections showed, delivering the worst result for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's mainstream conservative party since 1949.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv was ready to halt strikes on Russian energy facilities if Moscow stops targeting Ukraine’s energy sector, critical infrastructure, and food exports, as he prepared to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in New York.
When U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on 24 September, traders will be watching for more than the outcome of the two leaders' talks.
Seven Ethiopian armed groups, including former enemies from the 2020-2022 civil war, have formed an alliance aimed at overthrowing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will announce a new AI defence partnership with the United States on Tuesday, aimed at strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure and detecting threats.
As world leaders gather in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly, the organisation faces wars, displacement, climate pressures and deepening geopolitical divisions.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment