EU prosecutor searches College of Europe, EU diplomatic service over suspected fraud

BRUSSELS

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) on Tuesday carried out searches at the College of Europe in Bruges and the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels as part of an investigation into suspected fraud involving EU-funded training for junior diplomats.

In a statement, EPPO confirmed that the searches were conducted by Belgium's Federal Police (FGP West-Flanders) at several College of Europe buildings, the EEAS headquarters, and the private homes of the suspects.

Three suspects have been detained, EPPO said.

The operation was carried out with the support of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) after being authorized by an investigating judge.

The probe concerns the European Union Diplomatic Academy project, a nine-month training program for junior diplomats from EU member states, awarded to the College of Europe during 2021-2022 following an EEAS tender.

According to EPPO, investigators are examining whether representatives of the College of Europe were given advance access to confidential information about the tender's selection criteria and whether they had reason to believe they would win the contract before the EEAS officially published the call for tenders.

Authorities suspect that Article 169 of the EU Financial Regulation, which ensures fair competition in procurement procedures, may have been breached through the sharing of sensitive information during the tender process.

Before the searches, EPPO requested the lifting of immunity for several suspects, which was granted.

The case was initially reported to OLAF and could involve potential offences including procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and violation of professional secrecy.

The investigation remains ongoing under the supervision of an investigating judge in West Flanders.

EPPO said all individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the competent Belgian courts.

EPPO is the EU's independent prosecution office responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes affecting the Union's financial interests.