Belgian police conducted searches at the European Commission's premises as part of an investigation into the sale of several properties to the Belgian state.
Belgian police carried out searches at various premises of the European Commission on Thursday, following an investigation ordered by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) regarding the sale of numerous buildings to Belgium two years ago. The focus of this investigation is on a transaction involving 23 buildings sold by the Commission to the Belgian state in 2024, and EPPO officials confirmed that evidence-gathering activities have taken place as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The timing of the police operation coincided with a significant event where most accredited journalists in the European Union were attending a gathering at the Belgian castle of Alden Biesen. This strategic timing for the raids has raised questions about the accessibility and impact of the operation on public and media scrutiny. The investigation underscores growing concerns regarding financial transparency and governance within EU institutions, reflecting a broader trend of increasing oversight by European authorities.
As the investigation unfolds, it highlights the complex relationship between the European Commission and member states, specifically in regard to property management and financial dealings. The outcome of this case could have implications for how EU institutions conduct future transactions and how they are held accountable in the eyes of both national governments and the public, possibly shaping future regulatory frameworks for financial governance in the union.
