Brussels (ANSA) – The focus of the investigation remains consistent: allegations of fraud in public contracts, corruption, conflicts of interest, and breaches of professional confidentiality. This list parallels the initial charges brought forth by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, which were communicated to Federica Mogherini, Stefano Sannino, and Cesare Zegretti after a day of extensive questioning.
All three individuals were released overnight without any conditions; investigators determined there was no flight risk and emphasized that the presumption of innocence is intact, a point reiterated by those conducting an inquiry that originated from a complaint, acknowledged by the anti-fraud office Olaf, which is raising increasing questions in Brussels. Initial reconstructions suggest that this complaint may have come from within the ranks.
A whistleblower within the European External Action Service (Seae), which has been the workplace of Mogherini and Sannino for years, reportedly flagged suspected irregularities that illuminated the connection between Brussels and Bruges, including the College of Europe and its Academy for young diplomats. Investigators are examining timelines, documents, and tender procedures, in a situation that remains complex and unclear.
A significant element in this case is the acquisition of a building on Spanjaardstraat by the College of Europe, which occurred shortly before the issuance of a tender call, a timing that has caught the investigators’ attention and raised the possibility of bid rigging.
In a statement on the college’s website, the former High Representative said, “I clarified my position with the investigators from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. Throughout its history, the Academy has adhered to and will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and fairness.” She expressed “full confidence in the judicial system” and anticipates that “the correctness of our institute’s actions,” which serves as a training ground for future eurocrats, “will be confirmed.”
Sannino has similarly expressed his commitment, stating he would fully cooperate with the authorities. However, facing the pressure of the investigation, and under review from Olaf regarding potential favoritism in internal appointments at the Seae, he has chosen to resign from the European Commission, where he had been responsible for policies concerning the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf since the beginning of the year (3 December).
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