As European leaders gathered for a lunch meeting at Alden Biesen Castle in Belgium, Belgian police conducted raids on the facilities of the European Commission. This investigation, carried out by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), is focused on possible irregularities regarding the sale of EU properties. Reports indicate that the raids were also linked to the timing of the informal EU summit, raising questions about the coordination and priorities of EU officials during significant events.

The investigation centers around the sale of 23 buildings, a process that occurred during the previous term of Ursula von der Leyen, with Johannes Hahn serving as the EU Budget Commissioner. Hahn was responsible for overseeing the EU's €1 trillion budget until 2024, and after his tenure, he took on the role of special envoy for the EU to Cyprus. The scrutiny over these sales highlights concerns about how EU assets are managed and the transparency of these transactions.

The implications of this investigation could be significant for the European Commission, potentially affecting the reputation of its leadership and calling into question the processes governing the sale of EU properties. As the EPPO moves forward with its inquiry, discussions about accountability and governance within the EU are likely to gain prominence, particularly in light of heightened public interest in the integrity of European institutions.