Overview

• The US government is enforcing a January 2025 executive order globally, requiring suppliers and contractors to comply with new restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
• France and Spain have publicly rejected the US demands, citing conflicts with their anti-discrimination laws and warning companies of legal consequences for compliance.
• US embassies worldwide have issued compliance questionnaires to local suppliers, asking them to confirm adherence to the DEI bans, sparking backlash in Europe.
• European officials, including French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin and Barcelona's Mayor Jaume Collboni, have criticized the US directive as undermining diversity and inclusion principles central to European values.
• The US State Department has yet to respond to requests for clarification, leaving the issue unresolved and escalating tensions between the US and its European allies.