Robin Emmott

BRUSSELS (Reuters), – European Union leaders were swift to congratulate French President Emmanuel Macron’s victory over his far right rival Sunday. They expressed relief at avoiding a shock in one of the bloc’s most crucial countries.

Charles Michel, President of European Council, and the Prime Ministers of Belgium, Luxembourg, and France were the first to greet Macron after his victory over Marine Le Pen. They were followed closely by nearly all 27 bloc leaders.

Michel tweeted “Bravo Emmanuel” (NYSE:). “In these difficult times, we need a strong Europe and France who are fully committed towards a more sovereign and strategic European Union.”

After Britain’s unexpected vote to exit the EU and Donald Trump’s victory in 2016 in the United States, the bloc was concerned by Le Pen’s explosive social-economic reforms. However, polls indicated Macron won in Sunday’s second round.

France is a founding member and leader of the EU. It has played a central role in efforts to unify Europe ever since World War Two.

Analysts and diplomats stated that Le Pen’s presence in the Elysee Palace, which is a highly eurosceptic politician, would have huge consequences for stability within the EU.

Le Pen was open to the possibility of leaving the bloc for a long time, but she insists that she has no secret agenda.

Christine Lagarde of the European Central Bank, French National, expressed warm praises for Macron’s pro-business efforts, saying that “strong leadership in uncertain times is crucial.”

Within a half hour, leaders from Sweden, Romania and Lithuania, Finland as well as President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, all responded with congratulations.

Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime Minister, stated that he was looking forward to continuing the extensive and constructive cooperation between the EU and NATO and further strengthening our excellent relationship.

PRO-EU MOMENT: ‘MUST B SEIZED’

Christian Lindner, the German Finance Minister, said that Europe is the greatest winner.

Mario Draghi is the Italian Prime Minister. Together with Macron, Draghi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are seen to be forming an influential trio of pro EU leaders.

Scholz continued Franco-German collaboration, which is considered the engine of European integration.

Macron was referred by many to as “cher” (dear) Emmanuel.

This young centrist, who is regarded as one of the most pro-EU bloc leaders, has been praised by many for having the vision and ability to protect the EU from China’s rising military threats.

Pedro Sanchez, Spain’s Prime Minister, sent a tweet congratulating Macron. On Thursday, Sanchez wrote an op-ed with Antonio Costa of Portugal and Scholz in French newspaper Le Monde. It criticised Le Pen and encouraged people to vote Macron.

Anton Hofreiter from the German Bundestag’s Europe Committee stated, “The possibility that there will also be pro-European government in France and Germany at least for the next four year must be seized.”