<h1>US Demands to Drop DEI Initiatives Face Strong Opposition from European Countries Citing Core National Values</h1> European countries are opposing US demands to eliminate diversity initiatives. France's trade minister Laurent Saint-Martin stated the country won't compromise on diversity policies after US State Department letters asked French contractors to drop DEI initiatives. Belgian officials similarly rejected the demands, emphasizing that diversity and inclusion are foundational values. The letters, reportedly sent to companies in multiple European countries, claim President Trump's executive order terminating federal DEI programs applies to all US government contractors regardless of nationality. Officials expressed shock at the demands, noting these policies are embedded in European and national laws promoting gender equality, anti-discrimination, and disability inclusion.