Belgian police say it's searched multiple European Commission offices in Brussels on Thursday as part of an investigation into the 2024 sale of European Commission owned buildings to the Belgian state.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), which is leading the probe, confirmed it is conducting “evidence-collecting activities” in relation to an ongoing investigation but declined to provide further details in order to protect proceedings.
According to a report by Britains Financial Times, which first reported the inquiry, the searches took place at multiple Commission locations, including the budget department. Citing sources, the FT said the investigation concerns the sale of 23 Commission buildings to Belgium’s sovereign wealth fund, the Federal Holding and Investment Company SFPIM, in a transaction reported to be worth approximately €900 million.
The EU's executive body and SFPIM said they were cooperating fully with the investigation.
A European Commission spokesperson told POLITICO that the property sale followed established procedures and protocols and was conducted in compliance with applicable financial regulations. The spokesperson added that the Commission is committed to transparency and will cooperate fully with EPPO and the competent Belgian authorities.
The transaction took place during the previous Commission mandate, when Johannes Hahn served as commissioner responsible for budget matters.
Belgian police declined to comment. The Belgian prosecutor's office did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
No charges have been announced.
As Iran entered the second day of the funeral procession for the late Surpreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, U.S. President Donald Trump said Israeli...
Scotland produced a polished seven-try performance to defeat Argentina 47-38 in a high-scoring Nations Championship opener on Saturday....
Governments are tightening restrictions on teenagers’ use of social media amid growing concerns over mental health, online safety and platform desig...
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to help find a solution to the war in Ukraine during a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Pu...
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed crowds on Washington's National Mall on Saturday night after severe weather delayed his appearance at celebratio...
Scotland produced a polished seven-try performance to defeat Argentina 47-38 in a high-scoring Nations Championship opener on Saturday.
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to help find a solution to the war in Ukraine during a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the Kremlin.
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed crowds on Washington's National Mall on Saturday night after severe weather delayed his appearance at celebrations marking the United States' 250th anniversary.
France will face Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals after edging past Paraguay 1-0, while the Atlas Lions booked their place with a convincing 3-0 victory over Canada, ending the co-hosts' historic run in the tournament.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has raised its forecast for the rapid emergence of a strong El Niño, warning the climate pattern is likely to drive higher global temperatures and intensify extreme weather in the months ahead.
India is investigating a data breach at Tata Electronics that exposed sensitive documents linked to Apple's unreleased iPhone 18 Pro, marking the government's first public comments on the incident.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Germany has requested urgent talks with China's ambassador following reports that Chinese authorities trained Russian soldiers, adding fresh strain to relations between Beijing and Europe amid the war in Ukraine.
Scotland produced a polished seven-try performance to defeat Argentina 47-38 in a high-scoring Nations Championship opener on Saturday.
Governments are tightening restrictions on teenagers’ use of social media amid growing concerns over mental health, online safety and platform design, but questions remain over enforcement and whether bans can meaningfully change behaviour.
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to help find a solution to the war in Ukraine during a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the Kremlin.
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed crowds on Washington's National Mall on Saturday night after severe weather delayed his appearance at celebrations marking the United States' 250th anniversary.
West Africa's Al Qaeda affiliate, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on military positions in Mali on Saturday (4 July) and said it had seized control of at least five of them.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment