British Prime Minister Tony Blair's European colleagues mixed election victory congratulations with birthday greetings as he celebrated winning a historic third term.
French President Jacques Chirac said he was "delighted" to continue working with Mr Blair on critical tasks like European Union integration.
"It is with great pleasure that I send you my warmest congratulations for your new victory," Mr Chirac said, adding a hand-written afterthought to the typed note: "And also, Happy Birthday my dear Tony, and my affection to all your family."
Mr Blair's victory coincided with his 52nd birthday today.
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder
More birthday wishes came from German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, another staunch opponent of the war, who "heartily" congratulated Mr Blair on his victory.
"With your re-election, you have given yourself the best birthday present possible," Mr Schroeder wrote. "I wish you from my heart much success, luck and personal well-being."
Focusing on the future and the need for unity was also the message from the European Union's head office, which kept a strictly neutral stance during Europe's internal divide over Iraq.
"I look forward to working together to address the crucial challenges ahead of us," said European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, noting that Britain assumes the rotating presidency of the EU in the second half of 2006.
"Our close co-operation is indispensable to the success of the European Union," he said.