Since June 20, Belgian travelers can again claim reimbursement for a canceled package trip, within 14 days of this cancellation. They are no longer obliged to accept a voucher from the organizer as the government imposed at the height of the coronavirus crisis, in possible violation of European law.
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The information, published this Thursday on the website of the Federal Public Service Economy, was reported Friday by Le Soir. The newspaper obtained confirmation from Commissioner Didier Reynders, in charge of consumer protection, that Belgium would therefore not be cited before the Court of Justice of the European Union, unlike other countries.
The dispute arose out of the will of the Minister of the Economy, Nathalie Muylle, to support travel organizers faced with heavy losses due to containment measures and non-essential travel bans.
Good to valid, valid for one year
Ms. Muylle (CD&V) authorized these organizers to compel the buyer to accept a voucher (“voucher“) of equal value, valid for one year. A dozen Member States of the Union have taken similar measures, potentially violating European law, which guarantees the right to reimbursement.
“This measure was applicable from March 20, 2020 until June 19, 2020 inclusive (…) Since June 20, 2020, this derogating rule no longer applies in the event of cancellation of a package trip. Travelers can therefore again claim reimbursement of amounts paid no later than 14 days after cancellation“, indicates the FPS Economy.
The end of the current system meant to Didier Reynders
“We got a response from Belgium explaining that the system it set up was going to stop“, confirmed Mr. Reynders to Le Soir.”This does not prevent that in the previous situation, we were in a situation of offense“, he added.
“Clearly, but I cannot speak for justice, if consumers go to court, we will remember that it is European law which is applicable, so normally this Belgian measure, or other, should be discarded“, commented the commissioner.
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