Bangladesh, Jan. 29 -- Europe stands at a strategic crossroads, trapped between competing pressures from the United States, Russia, and China. The continent faces a critical moment in its history, one in which its decisions will determine whether it maintains global influence or becomes increasingly marginalized. Recent developments underscore that Europe cannot rely solely on external partnerships or trade deals to secure its prosperity and security-it must resolve deep internal issues that have long undermined its unity and strategic credibility.

Over the past year, Europe has been confronted with a series of wake-up calls, none more striking than the blunt approach of President Donald Trump in his interactions with European leaders. T...