(Luxembourg, 3 December 2025) – At the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Brussels (Belgium), yesterday the rector and a senior staff member of the College of Europe in Bruges were detained, as well as a senior official from the European Commission, in an investigation into suspected fraud related to EU-funded training for junior diplomats.
After being questioned by the Belgian Federal Judicial Police (FGP West-Vlaanderen), the three individuals were formally notified of the accusations against them. The accusations concern procurement fraud and corruption, conflict of interest and violation of professional secrecy. They were released, as they are not considered a flight risk.
No further details can be made public about this ongoing investigation, in order not to endanger its outcome.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the competent Belgian courts of law.
The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.