Good afternoon!
We kick off this week with a special report into the complicated and decidedly consumer-unfriendly Belgian festival sector. This industry is a major revenue earner for the Belgian economy as a whole and provides much-needed employment, particularly through the summer months, as well as being great publicity for "Brand Belgium": many of the festivals are recognised around the world as being amongst the best and most commercial.
However, festival-goers are consistently frustrated by the myriad of complicated and frankly – some would say – unnecessary payment systems that are required at each festival, so much so that Belgium's consumer watchdog has weighed in along with ministers.
For their part, the festival organisers make the case that technology is not reliable on site to implement the normal contactless payment methods – even though this seems possible in many other countries. One can't help reaching the conclusion that if they really wanted to, then they could and would.
Also, the systems in place mean that many people have money left on their payment bracelets... and never bother to reclaim it, either because they forget or because the hoops they are made to jump through make it hardly worth it. This is not about technology on site – this is simply about good customer service. Who benefits from this? Certainly not the consumers.
The arguments put forward are excuses rather than reasons, and as so often, the companies are hiding amongst the layers of legislation which, dare I say it, is not fit for purpose in this case. Until someone in power forces them to comply and change, it seems none will.
In this respect, Belgium's festival scene definitely does lead the world.
On another matter – as I'm sure you are well aware, a week from today is Belgium's national day. As a celebration of that and to get you in the mood, for the next week, we will have some special content on our website to help you understand Belgium, Belgians, and some of the traditions, quirks, history and complexities of the country we all call home even better.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. Special report: Wild wild west – Belgium’s cashless festival scene still not consumer friendly
While cashless culture is alive and well at music festivals, it remains a point of contention for those protecting consumers' rights. Read more.
2. Deadline to submit tax forms is tomorrow: How does it work?
Tuesday 15 July is the last day for most people paying taxes in Belgium to submit their tax returns. Read more.
3. High temperatures cause more metro breakdowns in Brussels
Extreme weather conditions, such as the recent heatwave, can make the difference between a breakdown and no breakdown on STIB/MIVB's network. Read more.
4. Potential Brussels coalition partners set to meet
Exclusion demands sidestepped as N-VA stays in the Brussels majority — a key compromise unveiled. Read more.
5. Aldi expands digital loyalty card across Belgium
Aldi is one of the last supermarket chains in Belgium to launch a loyalty programme. Read more.
6. Belgium faces dearth of IT workers
Fast internet is common in Belgium, but fibre optic remains a challenge. Read more.
7. Vive le 14 juillet! Where to dine à la française for Bastille Day in Brussels
From Breton buckwheat pancakes to sole meunière, fois gras and escargots, we have selected some of the best French restaurants the Belgian capital has to offer. Read more.
