European Union leaders have been welcoming the result, which comes amid fears of populism undermining established parties.
European Council President Donald Tusk conveyed "wholehearted congratulations" while Germany's Social Democrat Vice-Chancellor, Sigmar Gabriel, called the result "a clear victory for reason against right-wing populism".
French President Francois Hollande thanked Austria for "choosing Europe and openness".
France, the Netherlands and Germany all face elections next year in which anti-mainstream and anti-immigration parties are gaining ground.
The sigh of relief at the outcome of Austria's presidential election was very loud indeed in Brussels with most European leaders delighted that the EU and establishment-friendly, internationalist-minded Mr Van der Bellen will become president.
But voters in Austria - as across much of Europe and in the US - were divided. There weren't many percentage points between the presidential candidates. So there will be disappointment tonight, too, amongst those who support a more nationalist-minded, anti-globalisation, immigration-limiting point of view.
If we've learnt one thing from Brexit and the US elections, it's that voters are in an unpredictable mood. Anti-establishment sentiment is on the rise, but election victories for Europe's so-called populists are far from inevitable.
Austria far-right candidate Norbert Hofer defeated in presidential poll - BBC News
A ha.......
European Council President Donald Tusk conveyed "wholehearted congratulations" while Germany's Social Democrat Vice-Chancellor, Sigmar Gabriel, called the result "a clear victory for reason against right-wing populism".
French President Francois Hollande thanked Austria for "choosing Europe and openness".
France, the Netherlands and Germany all face elections next year in which anti-mainstream and anti-immigration parties are gaining ground.
The sigh of relief at the outcome of Austria's presidential election was very loud indeed in Brussels with most European leaders delighted that the EU and establishment-friendly, internationalist-minded Mr Van der Bellen will become president.
But voters in Austria - as across much of Europe and in the US - were divided. There weren't many percentage points between the presidential candidates. So there will be disappointment tonight, too, amongst those who support a more nationalist-minded, anti-globalisation, immigration-limiting point of view.
If we've learnt one thing from Brexit and the US elections, it's that voters are in an unpredictable mood. Anti-establishment sentiment is on the rise, but election victories for Europe's so-called populists are far from inevitable.
Austria far-right candidate Norbert Hofer defeated in presidential poll - BBC News
A ha.......
