Mogherini resigns from presidency of the College of Europe

Federica Mogherini, the former EU foreign policy chief, stepped down after being named a suspect in investigations regarding fraud and favoritism in EU-supported diplomatic training programs.

In a statement, Mogherini said: “In line with the utmost diligence and fairness that I have always applied in performing my duties, today I have decided to resign from the presidency of the College of Europe and as director of the EU Diplomatic Academy.”

Mogherini is the second casualty of the new investigation, dubbed “Collegegate.” Stefano Sanino also resigned yesterday from his position as Director-General of the European Commission.

Both individuals, who were interrogated and then formally investigated on Tuesday over allegations of favoritism by the EU External Action Service in organizing a diplomatic academy at the College of Europe, decided to step down, while both maintained their innocence.