IECL Lunchtime Seminar with Matteo Fornasier – The Trump Administration's Anti-DEI Measures and the Impact on European Companies

The IECL Lunchtime Seminar Series offers our Academic Visitors an opportunity to share their research, exchange ideas, and connect with colleagues on both substantive and methodological aspects of their work.

Each seminar usually lasts 30–45 minutes, with 20–30 minutes for the presentation followed by 10–15 minutes for Q&A. A light sandwich lunch will be provided.

Professor Matteo Fornasier
The Trump Administration's Anti-DEI Measures and the Impact on European Companies

Abstract: Soon after U.S. President Trump had issued a series of executive orders targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives both in the public administration and in the private sector, some European companies were reported to consider withdrawing diversity programs that had been in place for many years. From a European perspective, these events give rise to multiple legal questions. Are the relevant executive orders actually binding on European companies operating in the US as well as American companies operating in Europe? To what extent may companies withdraw DEI initiatives without violating EU or European national law? Are there situations where the duties imposed by US law and European law conflict with each other? These questions will be addressed with a particular focus on issues of private international law.