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.
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