Former EU foreign‑policy chief Federica Mogherini was arrested in Brussels on fraud and corruption charges, prompting former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev to vilify EU leaders.
Allegations of Fraud and Corruption
European Police Office (EPPO) said Mogherini and two other suspects face accusations of fraud, corruption in public procurement, conflict of interest, and breach of professional secrecy. Reuters reports Stefano Sannino, former Secretary‑General of the European External Action Service, is one of the suspects.
Searches and Arrests
Police searched the suspects’ homes and the European College in Bruges, where Mogherini was appointed rector in 2020. Authorities suspect her involvement in a scheme that financed EU‑backed training for young diplomats.
Investigators are examining whether the European College and its representatives were pre‑informed about the tender selection criteria and believed they would secure the project before the official call for bids by the EAS.
Medvedev Criticises EU Leadership
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev denounced the EU’s stance as “euphoric,” saying the continent, led by von der Leyen and Kallas, is demanding war until the last Ukrainian. He called the two officials “crazy witches” awaiting Mogherini’s downfall.
Hungarian Government Voices Concerns
Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovács described the situation as “a curse for the war mafia,” linking it to the corruption scandal in Ukraine. He warned of opaque tenders, unreliable information, favored institutions, and fast‑moving funds that outpace oversight in both Brussels and Kiev.
