Former EU chief Mogherini accused of fraud, corruption

The European Union has launched a $3.5 billion package aimed at enhancing the supply of raw materials within the bloc. This initiative includes the establishment of a center to monitor mineral supplies and promote joint investments among member states.

The European Commission has announced a proposal to fund Ukraine through a loan backed by frozen Russian assets, a move that has sparked significant debate within the EU. This initiative aims to address Ukraine's budget shortfall amid ongoing conflict, with an alternative option for an EU loan based on common borrowing introduced to appease concerns from Belgium, which holds a substantial portion of these assets.

The European Union has introduced a €3 billion strategy aimed at reducing its reliance on China for critical raw materials, particularly rare earth metals. This initiative, known as the ReSourceEU program, is designed to diversify and de-risk supply chains amid increasing geopolitical tensions and supply vulnerabilities exacerbated by China's control over these essential resources.

NATO's foreign ministers convened in Brussels following inconclusive peace talks between U.S. negotiators and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has been formally accused of fraud and corruption, along with two other individuals, following an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) into funding for training programs for junior diplomats. The accusations were communicated to the rector of the College of Europe, where Mogherini serves as rector, after she and the others were questioned by Belgian police.

Former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has been detained as part of a police investigation into alleged fraud concerning EU-funded training programs for junior diplomats. The inquiry focuses on accusations of favoritism in the allocation of funds to a school she heads.

NATO foreign ministers are set to convene in Brussels on Wednesday, focusing on the ongoing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, but notably without the attendance of the U.S. delegation. This absence underscores a significant shift in diplomatic dynamics as the U.S. has been a key player in the discussions surrounding Ukraine's conflict with Russia.

Belgium has rejected a European Union proposal to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's economy and war efforts, citing potential financial and legal risks associated with the plan. This decision comes as the EU seeks ways to assist Ukraine amid ongoing conflict and significant budget shortfalls.