(Brussels) “I am glad to send you my most heart-felt congratulations for your election as Federal President of the Republic of Austria. On behalf of the European Council, and personally, I wish you every success in your presidential mandate”. Last night, Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, was one of the first to send a message to Alexander Van der Bellen, economist, ecologist, who on second ballot conquered Austria’s highest office, defeating his nationalist opponent Norbert Hofer. “Now that we are facing so many difficult challenges, Austria’s unceasing, effective contribution to find shared solutions across Europe and stay united will still be essential”. Van der Bellen received 53.6% of people’s votes, defeating the right-wing nominee again on second ballot (the first count had been repealed because of irregular overseas voting). “I want an Austria that is pro-European and that is committed to the values of freedom, equality and solidarity”, these were the first words said by the new president, who received messages from lots of European and non-European capital cities. Hofer admitted defeat and wished Austria may be united, while announcing he will run for president again next time. The president of the European Parliament, the German Martin Schulz, stated that Van der Bellen’s victory “is a heavy defeat for nationalism and anti-European populism”. Congratulations were also sent to the new president from Germany, France, Italy and Spain. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls tweeted: “Populism is not inevitable for Europe”, maybe thinking of the next election in France and of the leader of the Front National, Marine Le Pen. The leader of the People’s Party group at the European Parliament, the German Manfred Weber, said: “Austrians are sending a clear pro-European message. In Europe, the right-wing populist party has failed”. And the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paolo Gentiloni: “Van der Bellen’s victory is really great news for Europe”.