Belgian police conducted a raid at the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels, focusing on an investigation related to the sale of state properties scheduled for 2024. The operation involves the scrutiny of 23 buildings owned by the Commission, with a total estimated value of about 900 million euros. A source close to the investigation confirmed the police's actions to France Presse, indicating the severity of the inquiry.

The European Commission, the EU's executive body, acknowledged the ongoing investigation and expressed confidence that the sale process was conducted properly and in accordance with established regulations. The properties under investigation were acquired by the Belgian public holding company, Sfpim, which is fully state-owned. This situation raises concerns about governance and transparency in public asset sales, especially regarding price assessments and competitive processes in such high-value transactions.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (Eppo) has also confirmed that it is gathering evidence as part of the inquiry linked to the Commission, highlighting the broader implications for EU institutions' accountability and the potential reverberations for policy and legislative oversight within the EU. As this investigation unfolds, it may influence future practices related to the management and sale of public properties at both national and EU levels.