Italy's European allies reacted cautiously to the election of media tycoon Mr Silvio Berlusconi as the next prime minister, calling for vigilance but falling short of condemning the voters' choice outright.
Concerns ranging from Mr Berlusconi's right-wing allies to his sweeping control over Italian television stations coloured comments that were hedged because of the long time it took for results of yesterday's election to emerge.
Centre-left leader Mr Francesco Rutelli finally conceded defeat this afternoon a few hours before ballot-counting was due to end.
European politicians, who last year promptly slammed the upgrading of the far-right Freedom Party after Austria's election and lampooned the confusion of the US presidential vote-counting, made finer distinctions this time.
In Paris, Foreign Minister Mr Hubert Vedrine said: We will be attentive to what this government becomes and what it does. Attentive and, if needbe, vigilant.
German Chancellor Mr Gerhard Schroeder said in a notably restrained statement that his government respected the Italian election results but it stopped short of offering the usual congratulations to the winners.
The German government respects the decision of the Italian people and takes note of the Italian election results, Mr Schroeder said in a statement.
Mr Schroeder had been one of the leading voices behind the EU's efforts last year to impose diplomatic sanctions on Austria following the ascent into government of Austria's far-right leader Mr Joerg Haider.
Mr Haider said today the EU had burned its fingers with its sanctions on Austria and as a result would accept the centre-right victory in Italy's election.
The reactions to the election victory of Silvio Berlusconi and Gianfranco Fini are calmer because the EU doesn't want to repeat its negative experiences, Mr Haider said.