EU Commission Offices Raided in Corruption Probe

The European Union Commission's offices in Brussels have been raided by Belgian police, as part of an investigation into potential irregularities in a massive real estate deal. The raid, which took place on the morning of February 12, 2026, is believed to be connected to the sale of 23 buildings by the EU Commission to the Belgian state in 2024 for 900 million euros. The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has confirmed that an investigation is underway, but has not released any further details.

Key Highlights

The EU Commission's offices in Brussels were raided by Belgian police on February 12, 2026
The raid is part of an investigation into potential irregularities in a real estate deal
The deal involved the sale of 23 buildings by the EU Commission to the Belgian state in 2024 for 900 million euros
The EPPO has confirmed that an investigation is underway, but has not released any further details
The EU Commission has stated that it will cooperate fully with the investigation
The sale of the buildings was part of the EU Commission's plan to reduce its office space by 25% by 2030
The EPPO is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes that affect the financial interests of the EU
Former EU Chief Diplomat Federica Mogherini has been arrested in Belgium on corruption charges, according to reports

The Deep Context

The European Union Commission's decision to sell 23 buildings to the Belgian state in 2024 was part of a larger effort to reduce its office space and modernize its facilities. The sale was made to the Belgian state's investment fund, SFPIM, which won the contract through a public tender process. At the time, the EU Commission stated that the sale would allow for the redevelopment of the European Quarter in Brussels into a more modern and sustainable area. However, the deal has been the subject of controversy, with some critics arguing that the sale was not transparent and that the EU Commission did not get a fair price for the buildings. The EPPO's investigation is likely to focus on whether there were any irregularities in the sale process, such as corruption or favoritism. As reported by Tagesschau: Berichte über Razzia bei der EU-Kommission, the EU Commission has stated that it will cooperate fully with the investigation.

The EU Commission's efforts to reduce its office space are part of a broader effort to cut costs and increase efficiency. The Commission has set a goal of reducing its office space by 25% by 2030, as part of its efforts to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. However, the sale of the buildings to the Belgian state has raised questions about whether the EU Commission is getting a good deal, and whether the sale is in the best interests of the EU and its taxpayers. According to MSN: Berichte: Ehemalige EU-Chefdiplomatin Mogherini festgenommen, the arrest of former EU Chief Diplomat Federica Mogherini on corruption charges has added to the controversy surrounding the sale.

The EPPO's investigation is a significant development in the case, as it suggests that there may be evidence of wrongdoing or irregularities in the sale process. The EPPO is an independent agency that is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes that affect the financial interests of the EU. The agency has the power to investigate and prosecute cases in all EU member states, and its investigations are typically conducted in cooperation with national authorities. As reported by European Public Prosecutor's Office: About EPPO, the EPPO is committed to ensuring that the financial interests of the EU are protected.

Voices from the Streets

The raid on the EU Commission's offices has sparked a mixture of reactions from the public and from politicians. Some have expressed concern that the sale of the buildings may have been corrupt or irregular, and have called for greater transparency and accountability from the EU Commission. Others have defended the EU Commission's decision to sell the buildings, arguing that it was a necessary step to reduce costs and increase efficiency. According to Euractiv: EU Commission defends sale of buildings to Belgian state, the EU Commission has stated that the sale was made through a public tender process and that the Belgian state's investment fund, SFPIM, won the contract fair and square.

The arrest of former EU Chief Diplomat Federica Mogherini on corruption charges has also sparked a reaction from the public and from politicians. Some have expressed shock and outrage at the news, while others have called for greater transparency and accountability from the EU and its institutions. As reported by BBC News: Former EU diplomat Federica Mogherini arrested on corruption charges, the arrest is a significant development in the case and has raised questions about the extent of corruption within the EU.

Legislative & Jurisdictional Conflict

The investigation into the sale of the buildings is likely to raise questions about the jurisdiction and authority of the EPPO. The EPPO is a relatively new agency, and its powers and responsibilities are still being defined. The agency has the power to investigate and prosecute crimes that affect the financial interests of the EU, but its authority is not unlimited. According to Council of the European Union: Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, the EPPO is subject to the authority of the EU's courts and institutions.

The investigation is also likely to raise questions about the role of national authorities in investigating and prosecuting crimes that affect the financial interests of the EU. The EPPO is designed to work in cooperation with national authorities, but its investigations are typically conducted independently. As reported by The Guardian: EU's public prosecutor to investigate corruption and fraud, the EPPO has the power to investigate and prosecute cases in all EU member states.

Projections & Critical Questions

The investigation into the sale of the buildings is likely to have significant implications for the EU and its institutions. If the investigation finds evidence of corruption or irregularities, it could lead to a loss of public trust in the EU and its institutions. According to EU Observer: EU institutions face corruption and transparency challenges, the EU has faced criticism in the past for its handling of corruption and transparency issues.

The investigation could also raise questions about the effectiveness of the EPPO and its ability to investigate and prosecute crimes that affect the financial interests of the EU. As reported by Reuters: EU's public prosecutor faces challenges in first year, the EPPO has faced challenges in its first year of operation, including limited resources and a lack of cooperation from national authorities.