Kathrine Frich
Diplomatic scandals often spark sharp commentary, especially when they involve high-profile figures from influential institutions.
As Europe confronts another corruption probe, Moscow has been quick to seize on the moment.
According to TASS, Russia’s Foreign Ministry offered a pointed and derisive response following the detention of former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.
Moscow’s criticism
Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, told TASS that Brussels consistently overlooks its own internal problems while lecturing others.
“In the EU, every day, millions of euros flow through the ‘corruption pipelines’ to Kiev and from there into private pockets,” she said. Zakharova also claimed that these issue has unfolded “in plain sight” for years.
She added: “Any international problem is a reason for Brussels to warm its hands. From the COVID-19 pandemic to Ukraine. At the same time, it prefers not to notice its own problems and teaches lessons to others.”
Details of the detention
The corruption scandal Zakharova was commenting on a case reported by AFP, in which former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini was detained by Belgian authorities.
AFP cited officials saying three people were taken into custody during coordinated searches at the European External Action Service headquarters in Brussels, the College of Europe in Bruges, and several private homes.
According to the European Commission and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, the detainees are suspected of fraud involving EU-funded construction tenders.
Sources: TASS; AFP; Digi24.ro
