The European Union is facing a new wave of scrutiny as a corruption probe into former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has intensified pressure on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Mogherini, who served as the EU’s top diplomat from 2014 to 2019, was detained and formally accused of procurement fraud, corruption, and breaches of professional secrecy related to an EU-funded diplomatic academy program.

The investigation, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, has thrown von der Leyen’s position into jeopardy, with opponents preparing to use the affair to push for her removal. The EU Commission president is already facing criticism over her handling of the ‘Pfizergate’ controversy, which centers on her Covid-19 vaccine talks with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.

According to officials, the latest scandal is straining von der Leyen’s relationship with current EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, as the investigation centers on activities linked to the External Action Service, which Borrell oversees. The affair has also prompted renewed calls for a no-confidence vote, with von der Leyen’s rivals seizing on the opportunity to challenge her leadership.

The EU Commission has faced criticism for its refusal to disclose key text messages with Pfizer’s chief executive, prompting a no-confidence motion in the EU Parliament, which von der Leyen ultimately survived. The commission president has also been a key proponent of militarizing the EU and arming Ukraine, pushing to use frozen Russian sovereign assets to aid Kiev through a ‘reparations loan’ scheme.

The latest developments have significant implications for the EU’s accountability and von der Leyen’s leadership. As one EU official noted, the commission president is often held accountable for the actions of the entire institution, making her a target for criticism. The investigation into Mogherini’s activities is likely to further erode trust in the EU’s institutions and raise questions about the bloc’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The scandal is set to dominate EU politics in the coming weeks, with von der Leyen’s opponents likely to use the affair to challenge her leadership and push for greater transparency and accountability within the EU institutions. As the investigation into Mogherini’s activities continues, the EU Commission president will face intense scrutiny, with her position hanging in the balance.