France's President Emmanuel Macron has called for a snap parliamentary election following his defeat by the far-right in the European elections, marking a dramatic turn of events in Europe. The centre-right parties have, overall, tightened their grip on the EU Parliament during this eventful night.

Macron made the announcement after losing to his rivals Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella of the National Rally party. The outcome in France was a significant win for Europe's far-right parties, with exit polls showing National Rally securing more than 30% of the vote, doubling Macron’s centrist Renaissance party.

Beyond France, the broader narrative of Europe's four-day vote marathon was dominated by the centre-right parties. They not only strengthened their majority in the European Parliament but also secured victories in Germany, Greece, Poland, and Spain. There were also significant gains in Hungary, challenging the long-dominant Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

"The centre is holding, but it is also true that the extremes on the left and on the right have gained support," commented Ursula von der Leyen, the centre-right head of the European Commission, who is now set for a second term. She emphasized that her group was an "anchor of stability," calling for great responsibility from the centre parties.

Despite predictions, the far-right did not see the significant surge across Europe that some had expected. In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders' Freedom Party, known for its anti-Islam stance, came second. In Belgium, the nationalist New-Flemish Alliance triumphed over the separatist Vlaams Belang.

Across 27 countries, Europeans participated in these elections to choose the next EU Parliament, with the majority of voting taking place on Sunday. The European Parliament serves as the direct link between Europeans and the EU's institutions.

Before the vote, there was speculation that von der Leyen's European People's Party might consider dialogue with the two right-wing groups housing the far-right. However, she clarified that the EPP's only allies would remain the Socialists & Democrats and the liberal Renew Europe group, which includes Macron’s party.

While the centre-right holds a commanding 184 seats in the 720-seat European Parliament, the Socialists & Democrats have maintained their position, and the centrists remain third despite a significant drop in seats.

Top Events Today: Biden and Macron to Strengthen Ties in Paris Meeting

Far-right Gains in EU Elections Raise Concerns for Migrants, Macron, and Ukraine

Zelensky Aims for Peace Summit to Accelerate End to Ukraine War, How It Could Shape Europe