FT: Police Raid at the European Commission
Belgian police conducted a raid at the European Commission in Brussels as part of an investigation into potential irregularities related to the sale of EU properties.
Belgian police carried out a raid at the European Commission in Brussels on Thursday, as reported by the Financial Times. Sources speaking to the FT indicated that the police were investigating several commission facilities, including the budget department. This raid is part of a broader police investigation into possible irregularities concerning the sale of European Union properties that may have occurred during the previous term of the Commission.
The investigation, led by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), focuses on the sale of 23 buildings to the Belgian state's investment fund for 900 million euros in 2024. According to FT sources, this inquiry aims to uncover any discrepancies or misconduct surrounding these high-value transactions. The scale of the investigation reflects broader concerns about financial practices within the Commission and its accountability in managing EU assets.
In response to the raid, the Commission assured that the property transactions were conducted appropriately and emphasized its commitment to cooperate with authorities. This incident highlights ongoing scrutiny of EU institutions and may raise questions about governance and transparency within the European Union, particularly in the context of large financial dealings that involve public assets.