The former head of the EU’s foreign policy, Federica Mogherini, was accused of fraud as an EU investigation into the misuse of the Fund (EPPO).
The searches of the EPPO sought on Tuesday at the College of Europe in Brules, Belgium, led by Ms Mogersels – the office she ran for five years.
The investigation relates to EU-funded training for junior diplomats, The EPPO said.
As well as Ms Mogherini, a senior member of the Staff Staff of Europe and a senior official from the European Commission were arrested, the prosecution office added.
According to the EPPO, the three were formally told of the allegations against them: “The accusations concern fraud and corruption, conflict of interest and breach of professional secrecy.”
They were subsequently released from everyone they did not consider a flight risk and their homes were also searched.
Under Belgian law, a person can be arrested and then released without charge, while a suspect remains.
The EPPO said the investigation focused on a tender awarded by Eeas to the College of Europe in 2021-2022.
It adds that there is “Strong suspicions” of favoritism relating to the Tender for a nine-month training course for Junior Diplomats.
The EPPO, which investigates what are considered crimes against the financial interests of the EU, did not release the names of the individuals, but said that the resident was lifted as part of this investigation.
The College of Europe is an independent school attended by aspiring civil servants. It is closely related and partly funded by the EU.