Former EU foreign-policy chief resigns amid investigations into alleged procurement and corruption irregularities

In a sudden and politically charged move, Federica Mogherini has resigned from her position as rector of the College of Europe, stepping aside as European authorities intensify an investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement processes linked to the EU-diplomatic academy project. The decision, announced quietly but felt widely across Brussels, marks a dramatic turn for one of the EU’s most recognizable diplomatic figures.

Her resignation follows coordinated raids carried out by investigative teams scrutinizing the academy’s early-stage contracts, advisory arrangements, and financial flows. While Mogherini is not formally accused of wrongdoing, investigators are examining whether oversight lapses or governance failures within the institution may have enabled questionable contracting practices to take root.

According to officials close to the inquiry, the probe traces its origins to concerns raised internally about the awarding of consultancy and training contracts associated with the academy’s setup. What began as a routine audit quickly widened as auditors identified patterns suggesting potential conflicts of interest and noncompliant tendering processes. These findings prompted a broader investigation by European anti-fraud bodies.

Sources familiar with the matter describe an atmosphere of mounting tension within the College of Europe in recent weeks. Staff members, surprised by the scale of the raids, have reportedly been cooperating with investigators after authorities seized documents, digital archives, and procurement records. The college’s governing council is expected to appoint an interim leadership team while external auditors continue their review.

At the European level, reactions have been swift but measured. Senior officials emphasized that the integrity of EU-affiliated educational and diplomatic institutions must remain beyond reproach, particularly at a moment when global scrutiny of governance standards is increasing. Several diplomats noted that the situation, though unsettling, demonstrates the EU’s willingness to advance investigations regardless of the profile of individuals involved.

Mogherini’s departure adds complexity to the already delicate effort to professionalize EU diplomatic training. The academy’s creation was intended to enhance coherence within the European External Action Service and provide long‑term strategic capacity for the Union’s global engagement. The investigation threatens to stall that momentum, raising questions about whether the project’s timeline may require extensive restructuring.

Political observers in Brussels argue that Mogherini’s resignation serves both as a symbolic gesture and a practical step to shield the institution from further reputational damage. Her decision, according to those familiar with her thinking, reflects a desire to avoid overshadowing the inquiry or allowing her presence to become a distraction as investigators determine the scope of accountability.

For now, the focus remains on the ongoing review of procurement chains, governance structures, and internal controls. Investigators continue to interview staff, cross‑check documentation, and reconstruct the decision-making processes that shaped the academy’s early operations. The findings are expected to play a critical role in determining whether disciplinary, administrative, or legal repercussions will follow.

As Europe prepares for a new chapter in its diplomatic training ambitions, the fallout from this investigation will likely influence institutional reforms for years to come. Regardless of the inquiry’s outcome, the episode underscores the challenges the EU faces in balancing innovation with robust oversight — a tension that continues to define many of its most ambitious projects.