BRUSSELS — Belgian police searched offices of the European Commission on Thursday as part of an investigation into the 2024 sale of several Commission buildings to the Belgian state.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), an independent body responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes affecting the EU’s financial interests, is leading the probe.
EPPO confirmed to POLITICO it is conducting “evidence-collecting activities” related to “an ongoing investigation.” The office declined to provide further details, citing the need to protect the integrity of proceedings.
The investigation concerns “the sale of 23 Commission buildings to the Belgian state in 2024,” a Commission spokesperson told POLITICO.
The property sale “followed established procedures and protocols,” the spokesperson said, expressing confidence that the transaction was conducted in compliance with applicable rules.
“The European Commission is committed to transparency and accountability and will cooperate fully with EPPO and the competent Belgian authorities on this issue, providing any information and assistance needed to ensure a thorough and independent investigation into this matter,” the spokesperson added.
According to reporting first published by the Financial Times, the searches took place at multiple Commission locations, including the budget department.
