Several European companies have received a letter from the US government asking whether they have anti-discrimination programmes within the company. If so, this could affect cooperation with the US government, it said. Ministers Jambon (Flemish nationalist/N-VA), Prévot (Francophone centrist/Les Engagés) and Beenders (Flemish socialist/Vooruit) reject that US pressure.
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Belgian government rejects US pressure on corporate diversity programmes
Colin Clapson
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According to French newspaper Le Figaro, the document refers to an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on his first day back in the White House. That put an end to programmes promoting equal opportunities within the US federal government. That executive order, the letter said, ‘also applies to all suppliers and service providers to the US government.’
France was quick to react angrily. The French trade ministry spoke of ‘unacceptable US interference’ and assured that ‘France and Europe will defend their companies and their consumers, but also their values’.
US embassy contacted
That tone is now also being adopted by Belgian politicians. The Belgian foreign ministry immediately contacted the US embassy ‘to raise the issue and convey its unequivocal concerns’.
‘We have a culture of non-discrimination in Europe and we must continue in this vein,’ Belgian finance minister Jan Jambon (Flemish nationalist/N-VA) told the French-language TV channel RTL-TVi. ‘We have no lessons to learn from the boss of America.’
Belgium speaks with one voice on diversity
In a press release Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) regretted that the US, ‘a country whose administration has historically been a pioneer in promoting shared values such as diversity’, was now taking a step backwards.
‘Diversity and inclusion are not buzzwords, but foundations of a strong and dynamic society. They strengthen our economy, foster innovation and enable talent to flourish. But let one thing be clear: Belgium will not take a step backwards,’ he said.
Belgian equal opportunities minister Rob Beenders (Vooruit) adds in daily Het Laatste Nieuws that ‘’diversity, equality and inclusion are not only fundamental values, but also crucial components for the successful operation of modern organisations’. ‘Companies that embrace diversity benefit from more creativity, innovation and a better connection with their customers,’ he says.
Diversity in coalition accord
The Belgian federal government is committed to equal opportunities for all, as enshrined in the coalition agreement, the government notes. ‘Undermining inclusion programmes harms not only the companies themselves, but also broader cooperation between the European Union and the United States. Diversity is not a threat but an essential asset for economic growth, competitiveness and social cohesion.’