The Brussels government has approved three measures to bolster its diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) policies. These measures come in response to US pressure on companies to abandon DEI commitments.
The American government's inquiries into European companies' anti-discrimination programs prompted Brussels' proactive measures. The Brussels government aims to ensure its DEI commitments remain uncompromised.
Brussels skyline. Credit: Belga / James Arthur Gekiere
The acting Brussels Government has taken a clear stance to protect its policy on diversity, equality and inclusion, according to outgoing Minister of Employment Bernard Clerfayt (DéFI) on Wednesday.
The Vervoort government has approved three measures to strengthen the DEI policy (diversity, equality and inclusion). These come at a time when certain companies are abandoning their commitments to equality and the fight against discrimination to protect their commercial interests in the United States.
The American government, which has launched an offensive against DEI, sent questionnaires to European companies, including Belgian ones, at the end of March about their anti-discrimination programmes.
In Brussels, clauses linked to diversity, equality and inclusion will gradually be included in public contracts for employers with more than 50 employees. The aim is to make DEI a "lever for social transformation," according to the government.
In addition, any company receiving economic support from the region for its diversity plan must fulfil its DEI commitments. Failure to do so will result in contractual penalties. These may include repayment of the aid or temporary exclusion from subsidies.
Finally, Brussels will lead the debate at national and European level. The Regional Government wants to promote a common position to denounce foreign interference.
"In Brussels, we will never tolerate external political pressure that weakens our fundamental values. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our collective project. We are opting for clarity and consistency: working with the Brussels Region means fully respecting these commitments," read a joint statement by Clerfayt, outgoing State Secretary for Economic Transition Barbara Trachte (Ecolo) and outgoing State Secretary for Equal Opportunities Nawal Ben Hamou (PS).
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