Are you interested in who might take over from Mogherini? The College of Europe is currently on the lookout for a new rector after the previous one, Federica Mogherini, stepped down amid a scandal earlier this month.
In a job announcement shared on Monday, the College indicated that they are inviting applications until March 2, with hopes of having the new rector in place by June 2026 or shortly thereafter. According to the announcement, the rector will hold complete academic and administrative responsibility for the institution as a whole.
To be eligible for this prestigious position, candidates must be citizens of a European nation, possess significant academic credentials, and have experience in management. Furthermore, proficiency in both English and French is required.
The announcement emphasized that the new rector is expected to uphold the high ethical standards and values that the College of Europe stands for. This elite institution serves as a training ground for future civil servants within the European Union, and it likely hopes for a smoother selection process this time around. The last appointment was marked by controversy, as Mogherini—who had previously served as the EU's leading diplomat—was selected for the role despite her application being submitted past the deadline and allegations surrounding cronyism and questioning her qualifications.
Mogherini’s resignation was prompted by inquiries into a fraud investigation linked to a public tender for a diplomatic academy program that took place in 2021-2022. This tender was awarded to the College of Europe by her former employer, the European External Action Service (EEAS), where she also took on the role of director for the diplomatic academy alongside her position as rector. The fallout from the scandal also implicated the EEAS’s former top civil servant, Stefano Sannino.
As the College of Europe seeks a suitable replacement, Ewa Ośniecka-Tamecka has been appointed as the acting rector until a new leader is chosen. The rector's position carries a five-year term, which can be renewed once, and the individual will report directly to Herman Van Rompuy, the former President of the European Council and head of the College’s administrative council.
But here's where it gets controversial: will the next appointment avoid the pitfalls that led to Mogherini's resignation, or will the selection process be just as fraught with difficulties? What qualities do you think are essential for the new rector to possess? Share your thoughts in the comments!
