Dialogos

European Commission Offices Searched by European Public Prosecutor's Office

Published February 12, 2026, 17:01
European Commission Offices Searched by European Public Prosecutor's Office

Offices of the European Commission in Brussels were searched by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) regarding the sale of 23 buildings to the Belgian State in 2024. The investigation concerns potential irregularities during the sale process, which was estimated to be worth €900 million. The European Commission confirmed the investigation and pledged full cooperation with the authorities, stating that the sale followed established procedures. The sale of the buildings was part of a broader plan by the Commission to reduce its office space by 25% by 2030, due to the increase in remote work following the COVID-19 pandemic. The buildings were intended for housing, businesses, or commercial spaces, also responding to the desire of the Belgian authorities to reform the European district of Brussels. The agreement for the sale was jointly announced by the European Commission and the Belgian state on April 29, 2024, with the Federal Participation and Investment Company (SFPIM) taking ownership of the buildings, with the aim of further transferring them to developers. The European Public Prosecutor's Office is currently collecting evidence, while the European Commission states it is confident that the sale process was conducted in a transparent and compliant manner. However, no further comments are being provided due to the ongoing investigation.