Belgian Federal Police conducted a series of searches at several European Commission buildings in Brussels. The investigation is related to possible irregularities in the sale of real estate in 2024.
According to the Financial Times, searches were conducted on the morning of February 12 at several European Commission offices, including the budget department. The investigation, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), concerns the sale of 23 European Commission buildings to the Belgian sovereign wealth fund SFPIM (Federal Participation and Investment Company) for approximately €900 million.
The European Commission confirmed the investigation and stated that it is fully cooperating with the authorities. In a statement, the EC emphasized its confidence that all procedures were followed during the transaction and its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Details of the alleged violations have not yet been officially disclosed. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has limited itself to commenting that it is “collecting evidence as part of an ongoing investigation,” without disclosing further details to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.
Searches were also conducted at premises associated with the Belgian SFPIM foundation. The investigation concerns the period of the previous European Commission (2019–2024), when Johannes Hahn served as Budget Commissioner.