BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's BDI industry lobby group urged firms to stick to their principles at their German operations after the U.S. said its embassies were trying to ensure contractors comply with U.S. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programmes.

"The BDI views with great scepticism the efforts of the U.S. government to enforce political ideas with regard to corporate guidelines beyond its own national borders," said the BDI.

"Corporate principles apply regardless of which government is in power in which country. We therefore encourage companies to stick to their principles," said the association, adding firms were subject to laws in the countries where they operate.