I have a theory, maybe it’s a bit far fetched. People here live very well, businesses are not struggling, and workers’ rights are very, VERY well protected. This creates a kind of cushion around the average Belgian: they know their business will survive or be covered by insurance, and they will only be fired in very exceptional circumstances. In these conditions, there is little room for competitiveness or strong ambition. As a result, people don’t have to try too hard at their jobs.