Foreign politicians have been congratulating UK Prime Minister David Cameron on the election victory of his governing Conservative Party. But among the messages of praise are signs of some of the challenges ahead.
The poll was closely watched across the EU, as Mr Cameron has pledged to negotiate a better deal for the UK and hold a referendum on membership.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he was looking forward to meeting Mr Cameron soon.
"President Juncker has repeatedly said that he wants a 'fair deal with Britain' and that the Commission will 'examine in a very polite, friendly and objective way' any 'proposals, ideas or requests' that the UK may put forward," a statement from his office said.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, of the Conservative People's Party,called the victory a deserved recognition of his decisive reforms.
"A stellar performance. Goodbye polls, hello five more years of government," commented Alexander Stubb, the Finnish Prime Minister.
Former centre-right French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is mounting a political comeback, called it an impressive victory. But Carl Bildt, until recently Sweden's foreign minister, said "David Cameron aims for 'one nation, one United Kingdom' if still PM. Important, but I would have wished he had added One Europe."
Further afield, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the win "splendid."
Matthew Barzun, the US ambassador to the UK, Tweeted that "We will work as closely as ever with new government on the global challenges we share."
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has experience losing elections, offered consolation to his friend Ed Miliband, the leader of the defeated Labour Party.
"Democracy is a process. It is not [like] instant coffee that you brew and drink at the same time. So there is always another time," Odinga said.