European Prosecutors Investigate EU Commission Over Major Property Sale to Belgium

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has launched an investigation into the European Commission surrounding a significant real estate transaction involving the sale of multiple buildings to the Belgian state. This inquiry focuses on the transfer of 23 properties in Brussels that took place in 2024, valued at approximately 900 million euros.

According to official confirmations, the European Commission is cooperating fully with the EPPO and Belgian authorities. The probe centers on whether the sale of these buildings, which was conducted through the Belgian state investment fund SFPIM, adhered to established procedures and regulations governing such large-scale transactions.

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the EPPO has conducted searches at the Commission's offices in Brussels and at the premises of SFPIM. The aim is to secure evidence and clarify the circumstances under which the deal was executed. The procurement process reportedly involved a public tender, with SFPIM emerging as the successful bidder, in line with the Commission's aim to streamline its real estate holdings and reduce its office space footprint by 25 percent by the year 2030.

The Commission has stated its commitment to transparency and accountability during this process, reiterating that it followed all internal protocols and legal requirements in the sale. The Belgian investment company involved has also confirmed that it is working closely with investigators and that its business operations continue as normal.

The real estate sale is seen as part of a broader initiative to modernize and reconfigure the European Quarter in Brussels, transforming it into a more sustainable, appealing, and environmentally friendly urban district. By divesting older office buildings, the Commission expects to contribute to urban renewal efforts while optimizing its operational efficiency.

At this stage, the EPPO has not disclosed further details about the nature of the investigation, citing the need to protect the integrity of ongoing proceedings. The office, established to safeguard the financial interests of the European Union, is tasked with investigating and prosecuting crimes such as fraud, corruption, and other offenses that may affect the EU budget.

Neither the European Commission nor SFPIM have been formally accused of wrongdoing, and both organizations have reiterated their willingness to support the investigation. The Commission maintains that the sale complied with all applicable standards and that the process was subjected to the necessary oversight mechanisms.

This development underscores the increasing scrutiny over large financial transactions involving EU institutions and member states, particularly where substantial public assets and funds are concerned. Observers note that the outcome of the EPPO's investigation may have broader implications for transparency and best practices in the management of EU properties.

The EPPO will continue its evidence-gathering efforts as part of the ongoing inquiry, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available through official channels.