The surge of far-right parties in the EU elections on June 9 caused a significant political shift in France, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to call for early legislative elections. Despite the centrist parties maintaining a majority in the European Parliament, far-right groups secured notable victories across the region, leading in France, Italy, and Austria, and placing second in Germany and the Netherlands, according to initial results. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged to construct a 'bastion against the extremes from the left and the right,' as her centre-right European People's Party (EPP) topped the polls. Over 360 million Europeans from 27 countries were eligible to vote for the 720-seat legislature, which will face challenges including Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, global trade disputes, climate emergencies, and the possibility of a second Donald Trump presidency. Von der Leyen, seeking a second term, awaits a decision by EU leaders, possibly as early as June 17. In France, the far-right National Rally (RN) party's victory led to Macron scheduling national legislative elections for June 30. The RN secured 31.5% of the vote compared to 15% for Macron's centrist Renaissance party. Marine Le Pen expressed readiness to assume power if trusted by the French. Meanwhile, in Germany, the anti-immigrant AfD party outperformed Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats. Far-right parties also made gains in the Netherlands and Belgium, though not as much as anticipated. In Austria, the far-right Freedom Party led in exit polls, marking their first national top spot. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's post-fascist Brothers of Italy party exceeded expectations with 28% of the vote. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party saw a decline but still secured 44% of the vote. The extreme-right parties in the European Parliament are divided on issues like support for Ukraine against Russia. Analysts note that while these parties may not directly influence the legislature, their presence will affect the political climate. Provisional results showed the EPP with 189 seats, the S&D with 135, and Renew Europe with 83. The far-right groups ECR and ID held 72 and 58 seats respectively. Green parties appeared to be among the night's biggest losers, as right-wing parties capitalized on discontent with the EU's environmental policies.