EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini Formally Charged, Released

Federica Mogherini, the European Union's former foreign policy chief, has been formally notified of multiple criminal charges. An investigative judge released her from custody on Tuesday, her lawyer confirmed. The charges relate to her previous role as Italy's Minister of Defence. They include allegations of procurement fraud, corruption, and conflicts of interest. A further charge of breaching professional secrecy is also included. Mogherini served as the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs from 2014 to 2019. She has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The case is now expected to proceed to a preliminary hearing. Her legal team stated she will fully cooperate with the judicial process. They expressed confidence that the proceedings will prove her innocence.