Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot: "Belgium is not giving in to pressure on diversity policy"
The Belgian government is alarmed that the United States is putting pressure on European companies to stop their diversity, equality and inclusion programmes. Belgian companies have also received such letters.
From the moment the reports surfaced, FPS Foreign Affairs immediately contacted the US Embassy. Belgium expressed its concerns about it unequivocally and is now investigating the legal consequences for the companies involved. The question is not only a matter of principle, but also of legal relevance: the US Embassy must comply with Belgian law in its actions. If contracts are terminated merely because a company is committed to diversity and inclusion, this could constitute a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot reacted firmly: "It is downright regrettable that the US, a country whose administration was once at the forefront of defending shared values such as diversity, is now taking a step backwards. Belgium, however, will not budge one millimetre. We remain resolutely committed to an inclusive society in which companies have the freedom to attract, support and grow talents. Those who erode diversity limit themselves and cut into their own economic future."
Diversity and inclusion are not optional ideals, but foundations of a strong economy and a dynamic society. They promote innovation, strengthen competitiveness and allow talent to reach its full potential. "Those who think inclusion is an obstacle do not understand that it is precisely a lever for progress," Prévot underlines.
The Belgian federal government leaves no doubt: equal opportunities are at the heart of the coalition agreement and remain an unwavering pillar of our policy. Undermining inclusion programmes harms not only the companies themselves, but also broader cooperation between the European Union and the United States.
"Belgium will continue to work within the EU for an open and inclusive business world," Prévot concluded. "We defend our values and our economic model, based on cooperation, innovation and respect for everyone's talent. This is not a question of preference, but of progress and forward-looking policies."