The two biggest voting blocs have lost their majority in the European Parliament.

The centre-right European People's Party (EPP) and the centre-left Socialists and Democrats (S&D) are set to remain the two largest blocs, but have lost seats to the centre, left and nationalist right, writes BBC. 

The Greens and Liberals have made gains, as well as the right-wing nationalist and populist groups.

With the two traditional blocs losing their majority for the first time, these smaller groups may find they have more sway on decisions in the new parliament.

The centre-right EPP held strong in Germany, Central and Eastern Europe, while the Socialists and Democrats did best Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands.

It was a patchy night overall for the populists and right-wing nationalists, but they topped the polls in France, Italy and the UK.

In France, it was Marine Le Pen's National Rally beating President Macron's Renaissance alliance. While in Italy, Matteo Salvini's League party seems set for victory with a strong lead over the centre-left Democratic Party.

Nigel Farage's Brexit Party won seats right throughout the UK, at the expense of Labour and the Conservatives. 

Among the biggest winners on the night were the Liberal and Green groups.

The liberal ALDE group was particularly buoyed by President Emmanuel Macron's support in France, while the Greens exceeded expectations in Germany, Finland, France and the UK.

Turnout was up this year in 22 of the 28 member states. Overall it was the highest it has been in 20 years.