Federica Mogherini Resigns from College of Europe Amid Corruption Probe

Federica Mogherini, the former top EU diplomat and current leader of the College of Europe, has resigned from her position following her indictment in a corruption investigation. The inquiry, led by the European Public Prosecutor's Office, centers on allegations of favoritism and unfair competition in awarding a contract for EU diplomacy training from 2021 to 2022. Mogherini was placed in police custody and questioned alongside two other charged individuals, Cesare Zegretti and Stefano Sannino. However, all three were released after a judge ruled they posed no risk of flight.

In her resignation statement, Mogherini highlighted her commitment to "rigor and fairness" and expressed pride in leading the College—a prestigious institution with campuses in Bruges, Poland, and a planned new campus in Tirana, Albania. Her lawyer described her interrogation as transparent and conducted calmly. The case scrutinizes whether the College of Europe was unfairly favored in the contract tender process managed by the EU's diplomatic service (EEAS).

This scandal marks a significant blow to the institution known for training EU officials and comes amid heightened scrutiny of EU public procurement practices. Mogherini's departure underscores the serious implications of the investigation both for her personal career and for the College's reputation.