Belgium mistrusts the way Germany managed sale of Opel, demands EU probe

Belgium wants EU to probe Opel-GM decisons

BRUSSELS — Belgium wants the European Union to investigate the sale of General Motors Co.’s European unit Opel amid misgivings Germany allegedly sought to protect its own plants at the cost of others.

“I think the German government sought its own advantage,” said Belgian vice premier Joelle Milquet after it became clear that the plant in Antwerp would be wound down but none would be closed in Germany.

GM announced Thursday that Opel would be sold to Canadian auto parts maker Magna and Russia’s Sberbank, a solution Germany had pushed for.

Belgian Foreign Minister Yves Leterme backs a demand to have the EU Commission probe the deal for evidence of protectionism and said Belgium would address the issue during a meeting of EU foreign trade ministers next week.