PREVIEW

EU Faces Crisis Amid Fraud Probe Involving Top Officials. Ursula von der Leyen is facing a major accountability challenge as a fraud probe threatens to engulf the EU. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office detained two high-ranking EU officials, including former foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini. The investigation focuses on a potentially fraudulent 2021-2022 tendering process linked to a diplomatic academy at the College of Europe. Allegations could lead to procurement fraud, corruption, and conflicts of interest, according to the European Public Prosecutor's Office. Relations between von der Leyen and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas are already strained due to the ongoing scandal. Critics have called for von der Leyen to face a no-confidence vote, with the credibility of EU institutions at stake. The scandal recalls the 1999 resignation of the Jacques Santer Commission amid allegations of financial mismanagement. Despite the controversy, the officials detained have not been charged, and further legal proceedings will determine the outcome.
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