21,000 euros for business trips of Annelies Verlinden from Brussels over New York to Abu Dhabi: what is this about?

Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden's recent business trips cost €21,000, raising concerns over budget management. Despite a negative financial inspection report, she requested additional funds from her administration to cover the expenses. The trips included attendance at a UN crime congress in Abu Dhabi, deemed essential for Belgium's fight against international crime. The opposition questions the appropriateness of using administrative funds for such travel, especially amid government budget cuts. The Justice Department managed to offset the overspending internally, but the situation has sparked scrutiny regarding transparency and accountability in government spending.