Ex-EU Foreign Chief Detained in Fraud Probe

Does the investigation demonstrate EU accountability in action, or does detaining officials before conviction violate the presumption of innocence?

Published 1 day ago

Ex-EU Foreign Chief Detained in Fraud Probe

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Above: Federica Mogherini speaks during the first "Europaeum Annual Lecture" at Freie Universität Berlin on Nov. 7, 2025. Image credit: Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/picture alliance/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The authorities are doing their job by investigating suspected fraud involving EU funds. There are strong suspicions that confidential information was improperly shared and that fair competition rules were breached in awarding the diplomatic academy contract. This shows the EU isn't afraid to pursue accountability even among high-ranking officials.

Euractiv

Mario Bojić on X

Establishment-critical narrative

Arresting prominent figures like Mogherini before any guilty verdict violates the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence. Detaining citizens pre-emptively based on suspicion rather than conviction is a dangerous overreach that must stop. No sentence has declared anyone guilty in this case.

Nicolás Fuster on X