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The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the United States hosted the 5th Annual Transatlantic Bridge Awards at the Residence of EU Ambassador to the U.S. Jovita Neliupšienė, in Washington, DC, on May 13, 2026, honoring U.S. Senator Chris Coons, Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox, SHIELD Capital Venture Partner Jillian Manus, and Grammy and Tony Award-winning jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater.
The Transatlantic Bridge Award recognizes individuals whose work advances the partnership between the United States and the European Union and promotes the shared values of both regions. Speaking at the event, CBS News anchor Margaret Brennan, who served as the evening’s emcee, said the recipients reflected the EU’s “strong commitment to values in the realms of public service, business and cultural ties,” adding that each honoree had contributed to fostering greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing both sides of the Atlantic.
Welcoming guests and dignitaries, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the United States Jovita Neliupšienė said the awardees represented diverse fields but were united by a common purpose of strengthening transatlantic ties through sustained engagement and cooperation.
“I think this is the place where Europeans and Americans come together. That always actually been the idea of the transatlantic relations. This year, as America marks 250 years of independence, we are reminded actually how deep our relations run,” she said.
Ambassador Neliupšienė noted that even before Europe formed a union and the United States adopted its Constitution, the transatlantic relationship was already taking shape through “ideas, ideals, and people” willing to cross the Atlantic in pursuit of shared principles. She cited the example of the Marquis de Lafayette, who traveled to America to support the country’s fight for independence.
“Our partnership with the US is also growing in defense, energy, security, and trade,” she added.
“Together, we represent the largest trade and investment partnership in the world, and together, we defend the principles that have delivered peace and prosperity to our people for generations.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Coons reflected on the post-World War II period, saying it was Europeans who recognized the “possibility of building bridges,” not only within Europe but also with the United States.
He also praised the other award recipients, particularly Governor Cox, whom he described as a leader committed to civic engagement, democracy, and bipartisanship. Commending Manus, Coons emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private sectors of Europe and the United States, highlighting innovation, investment, and technological cooperation as essential to future growth.
Referring to Bridgewater, Coons said jazz music has long served as a shared cultural language between Europe and America, expressing “our longings, our blues, our yearnings and our hope.”
Governor Cox said a member of the European Union significantly influenced his thinking when he was preparing to serve as incoming chair of the National Governors Association.
Recalling a visit to the Swiss Embassy several years ago, Cox said the then-Swiss ambassador spoke about growing up in Europe during the Cold War, witnessing the impact of World Wars, and viewing the United States as a trusted ally that consistently supported Europe during critical moments in history.
Cox recounted that the Ambassador also expressed concern about growing political divisions in the United States and questioned whether America would continue to stand alongside its allies during times of global uncertainty. According to Cox, one week after that conversation, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine.
“There is no more important relationship in the history of the world and for the future of humanity, then the transatlantic relationship between the United States and the European Union,” Cox said.
Bridgewater described jazz as a form of music rooted in “improvisation,” saying the rapidly changing global environment requires people to adapt in ways they may not have experienced before. She said jazz musicians provide “sanctuary, healing, clarity” through their art and cultural outreach around the world.
“I have been called a jazz ambassador, and I truly try to be that. I try to present myself in a way that reflects positively on my country, my heritage, my world,” she said.
Manus, meanwhile, said she was encouraged to see so many “kindred spirits” gathered together with a shared commitment to strengthening transatlantic ties. “I think that this bridge is essential to all of us. It’s the one between countries and between cultures,” she said.
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