The Danish Chamber of Commerce (Dansk Erhverv) confirmed to broadcaster DR that a number of companies had been asked by the US Embassy to confirm they do not have pro-diversity policies.
“We have a handful of members who have asked for our advice on how to respond to this letter,” Søren Friis Larsen, USA country manager with the Danish Chamber of Commerce, told DR.
International media have previously reported that US embassies have contacted European companies who have business agreements with the US government or State Department.
According to the reports, the embassies have reminded the companies that an executive order signed by President Donald Trump also applies to companies supplying the administration. The executive order in question bans DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) policies at workplaces.
Larsen told DR that the letter is vaguely worded, causing uncertainty and confusion among businesses.
The Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), the largest interest organisation for Danish businesses, also confirmed the existence of the letter.
"We have never seen anything like this before, whereby the US attempts to dictate and interfere in European companies’ management rights. This is completely unheard of," DI’s director of consultation Kinga Szabo Christensen said in a written comment to newswire Ritzau.
DI said Danish companies should not lower their ambitions for diversity and inclusion, citing the importance of recruiting from the entire talent pool.
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