U.S. government efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are facing strong opposition in Europe. Laurent Saint-Martin, France’s minister for foreign trade, stated that France will not compromise after the U.S. State Department reportedly pressured French companies to abandon their DEI programs. This move has also drawn criticism from Belgium, where companies reportedly received similar demands, leading to strong responses from government officials.
According to French media, major French corporations received letters suggesting that the rollback of DEI initiatives, which began under former President Donald Trump, could extend beyond U.S. borders. In an interview with RTL Radio, Saint-Martin expressed his disapproval, saying French authorities would seek clarification from their U.S. counterparts regarding the letter.
The demands reportedly targeted policies rooted in French and EU laws, including gender equality, anti-discrimination measures, anti-racism efforts, and diversity promotion for people with disabilities. Saint-Martin emphasized that these values are deeply embedded in French culture and laws, stating, “All of this is progress that corresponds first and foremost to our French values, we are proud of this and we don’t want to compromise on it.”
The letter, reportedly signed by a U.S. State Department official stationed at the embassy in Paris, claimed that an executive order signed by Trump in January—designed to end DEI programs within the U.S. federal government—also applies to all suppliers and service providers to the U.S. government, regardless of their nationality or location. The document instructed recipients to sign and return a certification form within five days to confirm compliance.
Saint-Martin expressed being “deeply shocked” by the demands but stressed the importance of maintaining a positive agenda and open dialogue with the U.S.
In Belgium, Finance Minister Jan Jambon rejected the U.S. pressure, affirming that Europeans have a strong culture of non-discrimination that should be preserved. “We have no lessons to learn from the boss of America,” he said.
Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and Equal Opportunities Minister Rob Beenders also condemned the U.S. actions, describing them as a “step backward.” They highlighted that “diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords, but the foundations of a strong and dynamic society. They strengthen our economy, foster innovation, and allow talent to flourish.”
In Spain, Barcelona’s mayor announced that the city’s municipal government would defy Trump’s rollback of DEI programs, including a cultural initiative hosted by the city.
Trump’s executive order targeted programs with federal funding, including those supported by the U.S. government abroad. One such program, based in Barcelona, is part of the “American Spaces” network, which includes 700 centers across 140 countries. These spaces offer English-language courses, resources about the U.S., and counseling for foreign students interested in U.S. education opportunities.