Investigation into diplomatic-training fraud: Federica Mogherini Resigns as rector of College of Europe
In a statement on its website, the College of Europe in Bruges announced that Federica Mogherini has resigned as rector of the institution.
On Tuesday, the former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy was formally placed under investigation alongside two others. This followed searches at multiple locations, including the College of Europe in Bruges and the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels, as well as several private residences. All three individuals are under investigation on suspicion of fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest and breaches of professional secrecy.
The Italian politician, who has served as rector of the prestigious institution since 2020, said on Wednesday that she was confident the judiciary would conclude the College had acted correctly. She announced her resignation on Thursday.
“In its long tradition, the College has always applied and will continue to apply the highest standards of integrity and fairness'" she wrote. "For three years now, the European Union Diplomatic Academy has been offering the highest quality of teaching and practice to its participants."
"I have full confidence in the justice system, and I trust that the correctness of the College's actions will be ascertained," she continued. "I will obviously continue to offer my full collaboration to the authorities."
On Wednesday, it also emerged that Stefano Sannino, who was detained and placed under investigation, will step down as director for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf at the European Commission at the end of December. He has held the post since the beginning of this year, having previously served as secretary-general of the EEAS. The investigation concerns actions dating from his time at the EEAS.
The College of Europe is an independent, bilingual (English–French) postgraduate institute specialising in advanced European studies. With campuses in Bruges, Natolin and Tirana, it operates as a single institution with one rector and three academic branches. Each year, more than 400 students from around 50 countries obtain a postgraduate master's degree in European studies, specialising in law, governance, economics or diplomacy.
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