European Election: Key quotes from across the EU

(Reuters) -Gains by the far-right in voting for the European Parliament on Sunday prompted a bruised French President Emmanuel Macron to call a snap national election and added uncertainty to Europe's future political direction.

While the centre, liberal and Socialist parties were set to retain a majority in the 720-seat parliament, the vote dealt a domestic blow to the leaders of both France and Germany, raising questions about how the European Union's major powers can drive policy.

Here are some quotes from across the bloc:

EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN

"This election has given us two messages. First, there remains a majority in the centre for a strong Europe and that is crucial for stability. In other words, the centre is holding.

"But it is also true that extremes on the left and the right have gained support and this is why the result comes with great responsibility for the parties in the centre."

EMMANUEL MACRON, PRESIDENT OF FRANCE

"Having carried out the consultation provided for in Article 12 of our constitution, I have decided to give you back the choice of our parliamentary future by voting.

"This is an essential time for clarification (...) I have heard your message, your concerns, and I will not leave them unanswered.

"I know I can count on you to vote massively on June 30 and July 7. France needs a clear majority in order to act with serenity and harmony".

JORDAN BARDELLA, LEAD CANDIDATE, FRANCE'S FAR-RIGHT NATIONAL RALLY PARTY

"Emmanuel Macron is a weakened president, already deprived of an absolute majority in the French parliament and now restricted in his means of action within the European Parliament.

RAPHAEL GLUCKSMANN, LEAD CANDIDATE, FRANCE'S SOCIALIST PARTY

"The far right in France today represents 40% of the vote in France. Across Europe, we are witnessing a wave that is profoundly shaking our democracies."

ALICE WEIDEL, CO-LEADER OF GERMANY'S FAR-RIGHT AFD PARTY

"We had a bumpy start to the election campaign and then really caught up in the final spurt. After all the prophecies of doom, after the barrage of the last few weeks, we are the second strongest force. And I'm telling you, the only way is up tonight."

CAROLA RACKETE, LEAD CANDIDATE, GERMANY'S "THE LEFT":

"What really shocks me this evening is this historic shift to the right that we are seeing, and not just here (in Germany). Right-wing parties gained in Italy, Austria and France. It looks really dark everywhere."

(Compiled by Richard Lough; Editing by David Holmes/Keith Weir)