EU Members Call for Collective Action Against US Pressure on Corporate Diversity Issues (Denmark Initiates the Discussion)
Denmark is spearheading a European Union (EU) response to US warnings against diversity and inclusion programs, facing a backlash from President Donald Trump who aims to wipe out these initiatives.
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Industry Minister Morten Bødskov spoke out after US embassies sent letters to companies in France and Denmark operating, or planning to operate, in the United States. Bødskov affirmed that Danish and European companies strongly prioritize diversity and are committed to the EU's legislation promoting diversity in leadership and responsible corporate citizenship.
"This is yet another attempt at an American trade barrier," Bødskov pointed out.
A wave of contention
Businesses in Denmark have reported receiving such letters from the US Embassy, requesting them to confirm their absence of pro-diversity policies. Søren Friis Larsen, USA country manager with the Danish Chamber of Commerce, revealed that several members have approached him for advice on handling this issue.
The Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), Denmark's largest interest organization for businesses, has also confirmed the existence of these letters. DI's director of consultation, Kinga Szabo Christensen, expressed concern about the US's intrusion into European companies' management rights.
International media reports suggest that US embassies have reached out to European companies with business agreements with the US government or the State Department, asserting that a Trump-signed executive order also applies to companies supplying the administration. This order prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the workplace.
France's foreign trade minister Laurent Saint-Martin expressed shock at these letters, calling them attempts to ask companies to renounce inclusive policies that align with French and European law, particularly in areas such as gender equality, anti-discrimination, and promoting diversity for people with disabilities.
Earlier, France's Economy Minister Eric Lombard's office made it clear that Trump's views on DEI "are not ours."
A united front against US pressure
Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot declared that the country would not back down an inch on diversity efforts, even in response to US pressure. Prevot labeled the requests as "deeply regrettable" and said Belgium had lodged concerns with the US Embassy in Brussels.
The EU response to US warnings against diversity programs for European companies is gaining momentum, with member states expressing strong condemnation and early calls for a united EU stance. While the response remains defiant, tensions between the United States and the EU continue to escalate, with trade conflicts and values disagreements rising to the forefront. No comprehensive EU institutional statement has been reported thus far.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/us-france-trade-war-2021-04-06/[2] https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/26/trump-has-targeted-diversity-and-inclusion-programs-at-firms-operations-with-the-us-government.html[3] https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-frances-macron-bury-hatchet-trump-era-2021-04-04/[4] https://www.np.dk/en/business/denmark-calls-for-eu-response-to-us-criticism-on-diversity-programs/s/14375415
- Denmark, spearheading the EU response, affirmed Danish and European companies' prioritization of diversity and commitment to the EU's pro-diversity legislation, viewing the US warnings as an unwarranted trade barrier.
- Industry Minister Morten Bødskov addressed the unusual activity after US embassies sent letters to companies in France and Denmark, questioning their pro-diversity policies.
- Notably, businesses in Denmark have received comparable letters from the US Embassy, requesting confirmation of the absence of diversity initiatives.
- In the realm of general-news, international media reports have highlighted attempts by US embassies to contact European companies with business agreements with the US government or the State Department, asserting that a Trump-signed executive order applies to these companies, prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
- Denmark's largest business interest organization, the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), has publicly expressed concern about the US intrusion into the management rights of European companies.
- The EU's reaction to the US warnings against diversity programs for European companies is gathering steam, with member states expressing strong condemnation and early calls for a unified EU stance.
- Particularly, France's Economy Minister Eric Lombard's office noted that Trump's views on diversity, equity, and inclusion "are not ours."
