Overview

• The US Embassy in Berlin has sent letters to around two dozen German companies, requesting compliance with anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies through self-declarations.
• German Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Ferda Ataman has denounced the US demands as an 'invitation to break the law,' citing conflicts with Germany's General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).
• German business organizations, including the DIHK and BDI, have rejected the US demands, emphasizing that diversity is crucial for innovation and productivity.
• The German government has not yet issued an official response, but calls for action to oppose US interference are growing louder.
• Similar US Embassy actions in France and Spain have also provoked strong backlash, with Spain's Ministry of Labor labeling the demands as a violation of national anti-discrimination laws.