Bangladesh, April 7 -- For decades, Europe has talked about autonomy. Since Charles de Gaulles vision of a Europe strong enough to defend itself, the continent has hesitated to fully break free from its dependence on outside powers – especially the United States. Strategic sovereignty has become a buzzword in Brussels, but real progress has remained elusive. Ironically, Donald Trump – the very American president many Europeans fear – might be the catalyst the EU needs to finally step up and take control of its own destiny.

The rise of Trump was not the signal of American abandonment that many in Europe feared. It was a wake-up call. During his first term, Trump made it clear that Americas security umbrella was not an un...