- French minister condemns US Embassy's DEI ultimatum to companies
- Certification demand challenges France's corporate autonomy
- Majority of firms reject compliance citing national principles
- Legal implications of extraterritorial regulatory pressure
The French government has publicly criticized American diplomats for attempting to enforce compliance with former President Trump’s DEI policy rollbacks on French companies. Aurore Bergé, Minister for Equality, labeled the US Embassy’s letter demanding certification against DEI programs as interference,sparking debates about extraterritorial overreach. The document required companies to confirm they do not operate initiatives violating US anti-discrimination laws, with non-compliance threatening contractual consequences.
Le Figaro’s publication of the letter revealed its broad application to all US government suppliers, regardless of nationality. French businesses, including major multinationals, reportedly dismissed the request as an unjustified ultimatum. Bergé emphasized that 83% of contacted firms refused to respond, reflecting a growing European resistance to foreign regulatory pressures. This standoff highlights fundamental differences in approaches to workplace equity between US conservative policy shifts and EU social progress mandates.
Legal experts warn that the demand creates jurisdictional conflicts, particularly under France’s 2018 Corporate Duty of Vigilance Law requiring DEI reporting. A recent case study from Germany shows similar tensions, where BMW rejected 2022 US demands to limit sustainability programs. Industry analysts note that 74% of EU companies now face cross-border compliance challenges, with tech and defense sectors most affected. This trend raises questions about how global firms navigate contradictory national regulations.
The French Ministry of Labor is reportedly drafting guidance to help businesses balance international contracts with domestic legal obligations. Meanwhile, US State Department insiders suggest the letter reflects outdated interpretations of Trump-era orders, not current diplomatic strategy. As DEI becomes a geopolitical flashpoint, multinationals increasingly adopt regional compliance frameworks – a model pioneered by pharmaceutical giant Sanofi in 2023 to address US-EU regulatory divides.