A Communist and a supporter of relations with Russia. 5 Facts about Federica Mogherini

Belgian police have detained former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini. She is suspected of procurement fraud, corruption and conflict of interest — all charges are related to her work as a director at the EU Diplomatic Academy. So far, this is the largest European politician under criminal investigation. What is known about Federica Mogherini is in the Izvestia article.

Fact 1. I got involved in politics early.

• Federica Mogherini became interested in politics as a teenager. At the age of 15, she joined the Italian Communist Youth Federation. After the dissolution of the Communist Party, Mogherini joined the "Left Democrats" and rose through the party ladder to the national executive committee. She joined the Foreign Affairs Department and was responsible for cooperation with the international left movement and maintained relations with European parties.

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Mogherini's higher education was also related to politics. She studied political science at La Sapienza University in Rome and earned a degree in political philosophy, as well as wrote a dissertation on Islam and politics.

Fact 2. She made a fast-paced career

Mogherini's political career quickly took off. In 2008, she was elected to the Italian Parliament, where she also dealt with foreign policy issues. In the cabinet of former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, she was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2014, but served in this position for only a few months.

• In the same year, Mogherini became the head of the European Union's foreign policy department. Her responsibilities included coordinating the foreign policy of the member States, participating in meetings of the Board of the European Commission and leading the EU Foreign Affairs Council. This appointment came as a surprise to many: the Baltic states opposed it, who were concerned about Mogherini's "pro-Kremlin" policies. She managed to strengthen her authority during the negotiations on the nuclear deal with Iran, where she represented the European Union.

Fact 3. Followed a cautious policy towards Russia

Mogherini was criticized for his desire to maintain diplomatic contacts with Russia. As the EU's high representative, she advocated maintaining dialogue with Moscow and pointed out the impossibility of isolating such a major geopolitical player. After the election of US President Donald Trump for the first term in 2016, she also allowed cooperation with Russia to oppose American policy in the Middle East.

• Among Mogherini's proposals, which she proposed to discuss among the members of the Council on Foreign Affairs, was the easing of some sanctions against Russia and the beginning of a dialogue on a number of topics, such as visas and energy policy. In 2017, she made an official visit to Moscow and held a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Fact 4. Suspected of nepotism

• When her five—year term as High Representative of the European Union expired in 2019, Mogherini became rector of the College of Europe in Bruges, a training center where EU officials are trained. She turned out to be the first woman in this position, her application was approved by the academic council of the college, which practically guaranteed her approval for this position. In 2022, Mogherini also headed the EU Diplomatic Academy, established by the college.

• At the same time, professors and MEPs drew attention to the fact that she did not have the qualifications to lead the college, did not have mandatory teaching experience, and also applied after the deadline. It was assumed that Mogherini's candidacy was promoted by the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the head of the college's governing body, former President of the European Council and former Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy, while other highly qualified candidates applied for the position.

Fact 5. He carefully hides his personal life.

Mogherini was born into the family of a famous man, she is the daughter of the Italian production designer and film director Flavio Mogherini. This is probably why the politician now avoids publicity for his loved ones.

Mogherini was married to Matteo Rebesani, who at the time of their acquaintance was the head of the international department of the Rome City Hall. However, they did not advertise their relationship and never appeared in public together. It wasn't until 2014 that the paparazzi managed to photograph them during a beach holiday with their two young daughters, Katerina and Marta. In 2017, it became known about their divorce.