Belgian police conducted a raid on the EU Commission offices in Brussels as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the sale of 23 EU buildings to the Belgian state.
Belgian police recently carried out a raid at the offices of the European Commission in Brussels, focusing on an ongoing investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO). The investigation pertains to suspected irregularities in the sale of 23 buildings owned by the EU executive to the Belgian government, a transaction valued at approximately 900 million euros. This operation stems from actions taken in 2024, when Austrian official Johannes Hahn held the position of Budget Commissioner within the Commission.
The EPPO confirmed that they were engaged in evidence-gathering efforts related to the case, although further specific details were not disclosed. The European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, acknowledged the investigation and expressed a commitment to fully cooperate with both the EPPO and Belgian authorities, maintaining confidence in the legality and integrity of the sales procedure that took place. The sale agreement in question was finalized on April 29, 2024, with Belgium's Federal Holding and Investment Company, which manages the country's federal financial interests.
This raid represents a significant development in ongoing scrutiny over financial transactions involving EU institutions and highlights the increasing role of the EPPO in enforcing transparency and accountability in this sector. As these inquiries progress, they may have profound implications not just for the individuals involved but also for the broader EU governance dynamics, particularly related to asset management and fiscal responsibility within member states.
