European Public Prosecutor's Office investigates sale of Commission buildings in Brussels

On February 12, 2026, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) and Belgian police conducted searches at European Commission offices in Brussels. The investigation centers on the 2024 sale of 23 EU buildings to the Belgian state investment fund, SFPIM, for approximately 900 million euros. These sales occurred during the tenure of former Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn, who now serves as the EU's special envoy for Cyprus. Investigators are looking into potential irregularities and allegations of improper agreements regarding the property deals. The European Commission has stated that it is cooperating fully with authorities and maintains that all sales followed established protocols and competitive bidding processes. Johannes Hahn's representatives also asserted that standard procedures were strictly observed during the transactions. While the EPPO confirmed the ongoing collection of evidence, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and Belgian federal police have declined to provide further comments. The investigation is expected to continue for several months as officials analyze the gathered information.