### American interference and the European economy: towards a new reflection on economic sovereignty
The recent exchange between the boss of Medef, Patrick Martin, and the United States Embassy highlighted a deeply rooted debate in contemporary transatlantic relations. The questions of inclusion and discrimination, long considered as internal issues, take a new resonance in the era of exacerbated globalization, where economic and social policies seem to be interconnected beyond borders. Patrick Martin firmly denounced the American intervention, describing it as “inadmissible” and orchestrating an appeal to the defense of European values. However, this incident deserves to be analyzed from a larger angle, that of European economic sovereignty in the face of external influences while highlighting the implications of such investigations on the French entrepreneurial fabric.
#### The context of the intervention
The United States Embassy has requested several French companies to ensure that they had programs to combat discrimination, thus questioning their inclusion practices. Although the United States is known for their efforts in civil rights, these approaches are also part of a broader framework of economic competitiveness, where countries are incessant to attract investments. By raising these issues, the American administration may seek to establish a new type of standard which, in the end, could benefit American companies on the world.
#### A reflection on sovereignty and economic autonomy
Since the 2008 economic crisis, it has become more and more obvious that the interdependence of economies has required a reassessment of the way in which governments have conceived their economic sovereignty. Patrick Martin’s reaction,
Insisting on the need not to give in to American pressure, can be interpreted as a sign of growing distrust of foreign governance considered to be intrusive.
In parallel, Minister Aurore Bergé strengthens this speech by affirming that “French law will continue to apply”, stressing the primacy of national laws on foreign injunctions. This echoes a trend observed in several European countries where governments highlight their autonomy, refusing to bend in the face of standards potentially incompatible with their internal values and legislation.
### The pitfalls and opportunities for inclusion standards
French companies are now confronted with a dilemma: how to reconcile their internal diversity values with the requirements of a global market which is becoming more and more standardized by foreign standards? According to a 2021 McKinsey report, companies that embrace diversity and inclusion can increase their profitability by around 36 %. However, at what price should these initiatives be implemented?
Patrick Martin’s reaction evokes a need for firmness, however, going back on inclusion practices could also be a long-term counterproductive, because it could harm the company’s reputation in a market that is always more sensitive to these issues. In a recent study by the Statita Institute, 70% of European consumers say they prefer to buy from brands that support inclusion and diversity. This underlines that compliance with international standards could in fact strengthen the position of a company rather than weakening it.
#### Towards a new economic diplomacy
The Franco-French response to this American request could also open the door to a reflection on the development of proactive economic diplomacy. Rather than limiting itself to declarations of firmness, it would be specific to the European Union to consolidate a normative framework establishing clear guidelines on the standards of inclusion and diversity, thus completing these values in the European economic fabric.
Faced with the rise of nationalisms and protectionisms, the EU should prove its strength by pleading for the development of international agreements which integrate ethical dimensions into global trade. By doing so, the EU is not content to defend its values, but also offers a significant alternative to American standards which could replace social issues with purely economic considerations.
#### Conclusive
The hexagonal response to American interference is more than a simple claim of sovereignty; It is part of a global dialogue on the values and the meaning of contemporary markets. If French companies firmly maintain their engagement in terms of inclusion, while protecting their autonomy against external pressures, they could not only strengthen their position on the international scene but also, paradoxically, pave the way to a sustainable and inclusive business model which could inspire other countries around the world.
This debate is therefore not only a question of trading, but also a cornerstone of a deep reflection on European identity at a time when geopolitical tensions continue to reshape our economic landscape