The government confirms that Luxembourg companies have undergone pressures from the United States to reduce diversity programs.
The American Embassy in Luxembourg had already confirmed to the Tag -Latt Wanting to examine “all contracts and subsidies” in order to “ensure that they comply with the recent executive orders of the White House”. These would be companies that have contracts with the embassy or have asked for grants to it.
On the first day of his mandate, American president Donald Trump had signed an executive order aimed at putting an end to the programs of diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) of the state. He also extended this measure to the private sector.
Unlike the United States government, the Minister of Equal Opportunities Yuriko Backs wants to encourage Luxembourg companies to bet more on diversity. © Photo: Gerry Hunbey / Archives
The Luxembourg government would have learned by “various channels” that Luxembourg companies are also affected by the executive order, can be read in the common response of the ministers of equality Yuriko Backs (DP) and the economy Lex Delles (DP) to the parliamentary question of deputies Sam Tanson and Joëlle Welfring (Déi Gréng). These companies were reportedly contacted “with the intention of exerting direct or indirect pressure on them concerning their commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion”.
The Luxembourg government wants to strengthen diversity efforts
The Luxembourg government continues to side with companies that support Dei’s actions and consider them “winners”.
The government provides for “support instruments” with regard to positive actions in favor of equality between men and women. These are aimed at “an inclusive economy” and an “egalitarian society”. These are voluntary programs, the two ministries indicate.
In addition, Luxembourg is a privileged partner of the Lëtzebuerg diversity charter, which encourages public and also private organizations to engage more in terms of diversity.
The government also stresses that there is a legal framework which provides for the fight against discrimination. In addition, in companies, it is not only staff who would benefit from diversity and it would not be “purely a question of morality”, but companies would also benefit from the economic programs on the economic level.
This article was initially published on the website of Luxembourg word.
Adaptation: Simon Martin
