Belgian Finance Orchestra Keeps Rehearsing on Work Time

The Koninklijke Harmonie van Financiën (KHF), a harmony orchestra composed of employees from Belgium’s Federal Public Service Finance (FOD Financiën), will continue to rehearse during working hours — though less frequently than before. The decision follows parliamentary scrutiny and a promise from Finance Minister Jan Jambon (N-VA) to review the practice, according to VRT NWS.

Background: A 130-Year-Old Tradition Under Scrutiny

Founded in 1896, the KHF is a royal harmony orchestra composed of active and retired civil servants from the FOD Financiën. With approximately 50 members — 38 of whom are active employees — the orchestra rehearses on Thursday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at ‘t Oud Kapelleke in Berchem. The venue is outside Brussels because renting space in the capital is costly and the noise would disturb colleagues working in FOD buildings.

The orchestra’s time commitment has drawn attention. In February 2026, CD&V MP Franky Demon raised questions in parliament after discovering that the rehearsals and performances consumed the equivalent of 1,022 working days per year, or roughly five full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. As VRT NWS reported, the cost had been rising steadily: from 3.27 FTE in 2023 to 4.89 FTE in 2024, reaching 5.11 FTE in the first 11 months of 2025.

The Debate: Cultural Value vs. Fiscal Responsibility

The controversy has pitted two competing views of public service against each other. MP Franky Demon has been the most vocal critic, arguing that non-core activities should not take place during work hours.

“The ordinary citizen can only pursue their hobbies after coming home from work,” Demon told VRT NWS in February. “The administration is under pressure and must save on personnel. The focus must then be on core tasks.”

Demon acknowledged that the orchestra itself is not the problem — it is the timing. “I believe a shared hobby creates cohesion, but federal civil servants have a duty to set an example. A musical outlet is fine, but in their free time.”

On the other side, FOD Financiën spokesperson Francis Adyns defended the orchestra as a valuable asset. “These people have a brilliant talent and they make it available to their employer, the FOD Finance. They ensure the image of Belgium at home and abroad. You get what you give,” Adyns said. He also noted that with 15,000 to 16,000 employees at the FOD, the five FTE dedicated to the orchestra is “a drop in the bucket.”

The KHF performs at official ceremonies, diplomatic events, and international gatherings — including during Belgium’s EU Presidency and the International Day of Customs. Its repertoire ranges from classical and contemporary works to ceremonial and protocol music. The orchestra is led musically by Jean Vonck and chaired by Bart Vleugels.

Minister’s Decision: Reduced but Not Eliminated

Following Demon’s parliamentary questions, Minister Jan Jambon promised to investigate. The outcome, announced in early July 2026, represents a compromise: fewer rehearsals and concerts, a stronger focus on official assignments for the FOD Financiën, and stricter monitoring within the broader rationalization of the administration.

“I am glad the minister has instructed to look at this more rationally. Personally, I don’t think this is a core task of the FOD Finance. We will continue to follow up on the matter,” Demon said in response to the announcement.

Crucially, the remaining rehearsals will still take place during working hours — a point that is likely to keep the debate alive.

Analysis: A Microcosm of Broader Tensions

While the financial impact is modest — an estimated €250,000 to €350,000 annually in personnel costs for a department of 15,000+ employees — the rising trend raised red flags. The increase from 3.27 FTE to 5.11 FTE over three years suggested unchecked growth that demanded attention.

The story reflects a broader tension in Belgian governance: the balance between preserving long-standing cultural institutions within the civil service and ensuring fiscal efficiency during periods of budget pressure. Belgium has a tradition of civil service orchestras and cultural activities, but these have come under increasing scrutiny as the government pursues consolidation.

What’s Next

The KHF will continue to operate, but under tighter constraints. Unresolved questions remain: What specific criteria will define “official assignments” versus non-official performances? How will the reduction in rehearsals be monitored? And does the public — many of whom work full weeks without paid time for hobbies — support the arrangement?

For now, the music plays on — just a little more softly than before.