The alliance between the United States and Europe is showing signs of strain. Since Donald Trump became president, he has moved away from the long-standing understanding between the US and Europe regarding trade and security, pushing for a new approach. His policies on trade tariffs, the Russia-Ukraine war, and European security have had global repercussions — and Bangladesh is no exception. As a result, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has had to take measures to maintain a balance between the two sides.
A senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “Europe and the US are no longer on the same page. They are divided on issues like trade, security, and the Russia-Ukraine war.”
Stating that both Europe and the US are important to Bangladesh, he said: “Earlier, balancing between the US and China was the priority — which also covered Europe. But now, balancing among the US, Europe, and Russia has become equally important.”
The Reasons Behind the Division
After World War II, Nato (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was formed to contain the expansion of the then-Soviet Union. From the start, the US led Nato and made significant economic investments to ensure Europe’s security. It also offered Europe favorable trade terms.
However, after businessman Donald Trump became president, his transactional approach to foreign policy disrupted the existing system. The US started imposing tariffs on various European products while also pressuring Europe to spend more on its own defense.
The US initiative to end the Russia-Ukraine war has excluded European involvement. In other words, decisions about Europe’s future are being made without Europe’s input. Naturally, this unilateral approach has not been well-received by European nations.
Bangladesh’s Balancing Act
Recently, the US and Europe both proposed separate resolutions at the United Nations to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Bangladesh voted “yes” on the US resolution but abstained from voting on the European one.
A foreign ministry official said: “Both the US and Europe reached out to Bangladesh to support their respective resolutions. Bangladesh made its decision after careful consideration and voted in favor of the US proposal.”
He noted that previously, the US and Europe maintained similar positions, so balancing between them wasn’t an issue. But now, with growing differences between them, Bangladesh must consider how to maintain that balance.
“We explained to Europe why we abstained from their resolution. They understand our limitations,” he said.
Both the US and Europe Are Crucial
For political and economic reasons, both the US and Europe are highly important to Bangladesh. In addition to being major export markets, these regions provide significant investment and development assistance. Many Bangladeshis also live there in hopes of a better life.
Another official said: “Bangladesh maintains communication with key figures such as Elon Musk and Donald Trump, and at the same time, it stays in contact with the European Union and various European countries.”
He added: “So far, we haven’t faced a situation where supporting one side would offend the other. We’re monitoring the situation carefully.”
He concluded by saying that since the situation is beyond Bangladesh’s control, the government will continue to make decisions based on national interest in response to the changing global dynamics.
