European Public Prosecutor's Office probes leaks in procurement of training for diplomats

The European Public Prosecutor's Office on Tuesday carried out searches in Bruges and Brussels, Belgium, in connection with an investigation into possible public procurement fraud. They raided the premises of the College of Europe, the European External Action Service and the homes of three detained suspects.

The investigation concerns the EU Diplomatic Academy project - a nine-month training programme for young diplomats - which has been awarded to the College of Europe for the period 2021-2022.

Authorities are examining whether confidential information may have been misused before the call for tenders was published, in breach of fair competition rules under the European Union's Financial Regulation. It is suspected that the bidder may have benefited from an early access to the selection criteria.

The investigation, initiated by the European Anti-Fraud Office, focuses on possible cases of fraud, corruption, conflict of interest and breach of professional secrecy.

Prior to the searches, the European Public Prosecutor's Office requested and was granted a waiver of the immunity of several suspects.

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