Despite a surge of support for far-right parties, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said the final exit poll remained a success for the continent’s political mainstream, writes CNN.

“There remains a majority in the center for a strong Europe – and that is crucial for stability. In other words, the center is holding,” Von der Leyen said in a speech in Brussels late Sunday.

Von der Leyen’s European People’s Party (EPP) is predicted to remain the largest political grouping in the European Parliament with 189 seats.

“But it is also true that the extremes on the left and on the right have gained support, and this is why the result comes with great responsibility for the parties in the center. We may differ on individual points, but we all have an interest in stability and we all want a strong and effective Europe”, - she said.

Roberta Metsola, president of the European parliament, also said the exit poll shows that “the constructive, pro-European center has held”.