Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has criticised the United States' pressure on European companies to comply with President Donald Trump’s anti-diversity order.
In a statement on Monday, Prévot said that he "regrets that the United States, a country whose administration has in the past been a pioneer of shared values such as diversity, is now taking a step backwards."
The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contacted the US Embassy to raise the issue and express its "unequivocal" concerns.
Over the weekend, European companies operating in the US, including Belgian ones, were surprised with a letter by the Trump administration ordering them to ban diversity, equality and inclusion programmes, as stipulated by the president's executive order issued in his first few weeks of office.
According to French newspaper Le Figaro, who published the letter in its entirety, it "applies to all suppliers and service providers of the US Government, regardless of their nationality and the country in which they operate."
This has warranted a strong reaction from the Belgian Government. "Let one thing be clear: Belgium will not take a step backwards," Prévot said. "Diversity and inclusion are not buzzwords, but the foundations of a strong and dynamic society."
The minister argued in favour of "free enterprise" – adding that Belgium "will not give up on the principle" of having the freedom to attract, support and develop "the best people."
Vice-prime minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prevot pictured during a session of the External Relations Commission, at the Federal Parliament in Brussels, Wednesday 26 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
These words were echoed by Belgium’s Equality Minister, Rob Beenders, who also emphasised the importance of diversity and inclusion in the business world for more creativity, innovation and a better connection with their customers.
"Diversity, equality and inclusion are not only fundamental rights, but also crucial elements for the proper functioning of modern organisations," Beenders stated.
Criminal charges?
The executive orders do not change US federal anti-discrimination statutes, but they do reflect the Trump administration’s desire to pressure companies to change practices.
They also identify potential legal actions to change the law through litigation, according to an analysis by global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. Companies might be required to take sides between conflicting US and EU laws, the law firm added .
The executive order even goes on to direct every federal agency to identify "up to" nine private entities to be investigated for operating "illegal" DEI programs, including a list of the 9 "worst offenders" – with sanctions which could include criminal charges.
If enforced, it could put European companies at severe risk of legal repercussions and in a situation where the programmes designed to comply with EU laws will be at odds with US laws or guidance. Many EU Member States have adopted laws requiring DEI measures, including Belgium.
US President Donald Trump leaves after a meeting with EU officials at EU headquarters, on the sidelines of the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) summit, in Brussels, on May 25, 2017. Credit: Belga / AFP
French companies were the first to alert about the the letter from the US administration. "American interference in the inclusion policies of French companies, as well as unjustified threats of tariffs, are unacceptable," France’s trade ministry said on Saturday.
The weakening of inclusion programmes is also detrimental to broader cooperation between the European Union and the United States, the Belgian Government stressed. The new Belgian Government finds itself in a difficult position, as it is committed to equal opportunities for all, as set out in the coalition agreement.
"We will continue to strongly defend our values and our economic model, based on cooperation, innovation and respect for the talents of each individual," Belgium's foreign minister concluded.
