European Public Prosecutor Investigates EU Commission Over Real Estate Transaction

Authorities from the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) have initiated an investigation into the European Commission, focusing on the sale of several properties to the Belgian government. The inquiry centers on a significant real estate transaction in which 23 buildings were sold to the Belgian state investment fund SFPIM for an estimated total of 900 million euros in 2024. The European Commission has publicly acknowledged the ongoing investigation and confirmed the search of its offices as part of the probe.

The investigation arose after reports suggested potential irregularities linked to the sale process. According to sources familiar with the matter, the EPPO is scrutinizing whether all required financial regulations and protocols were properly observed during the transaction. The sale had originally been presented by the European Commission as a process conducted in full compliance with internal EU financial guidelines and procurement standards.

The Commission stated its dedication to transparency and accountability, emphasizing its willingness to cooperate fully with the EPPO and relevant Belgian authorities. According to officials, the procedure for the real estate sale was executed based on established rules and protocols, and the Commission maintains confidence that the transaction was handled correctly.

The EPPO, responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes affecting the financial interests of the European Union, has declined to provide further details at this stage, citing the need to safeguard the integrity of the ongoing proceedings. Belgian law enforcement agencies have also refrained from commenting on the matter, as have the Brussels prosecutor's office and the SFPIM state fund involved in the purchase.

This investigation comes at a time when the European Union's management of assets and financial dealings is under close scrutiny. The sale of the Commission's buildings was intended to optimize the use of public funds and adjust the EU's property portfolio in line with operational needs and financial efficiency. However, any suggestion of procedural lapses or irregularities can have wide-ranging implications for public trust and the perception of transparency in EU institutions.

Observers note that the outcome of the investigation could impact future real estate transactions within EU bodies and may prompt a reevaluation of internal oversight mechanisms. The European Commission has reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance and legal compliance in all of its operations.

As the investigation proceeds, both the EPPO and European Commission have indicated that they will issue further information when it becomes available, in accordance with legal procedures. For now, the matter remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine whether any violations of EU financial interests have occurred during the property sale.