The following priorities top the Austrian foreign policy agenda:

Within the European Union Austria is committed to strengthening the EU’s role as a successful international player and therefore supports all steps directed at deepening the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), promoting external relations and developing the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).

Regional Priorities include:

• intensifying neighbourhood policies
• the Western Balkans, where Austria supports the implementation of the countries’ European perspective in line with the individual progress made,
• the New Neighbours of the enlarged European Union,
• the Strategic Partnership with the Russian Federation and
• supporting all initiatives aimed at creating peace, stability and wealth in the Mediterranean region and in the neighbouring countries of the Near and Middle East.

Thematic Priorities include:

• trans-Atlantic relations based on the common values and economic ties,
• strengthening the authority and the structures of the United Nations,
• making full use of the instruments provided by the OSCE and the Council of Europe,
• respect for international law, particularly with a view to universal respect for human rights and the rights of minorities,
• non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the strengthening of the relevant organisations and control regimes (IAEA, OPCW, CTBTO; HCOC) as well as the ban of land mines and cluster munitions and the containment of small and light weapons
• combating international terrorism, and
• the Dialogue among Civilisations.

The establishment of Swedepeace Foundation aims at strengthening and improving the effectiveness of Swedish and international peace and security initiatives in countries affected by armed violence or instability. The Foundation will strive to achieve its purpose by focusing on the interface and linkages between theory, policy and practice, which will help identify options for action and promote results-oriented cooperation for peace and security.

The primary objective of the Austrian Armed Forces is the military defence of Austria. This is conducted on the principles of a militia system. Other tasks include defending constitutional institutions, preserving law and order and providing humanitarian aid in case of natural catastrophes. Because of Austria's membership in the United Nations, the European Union and the Partnership for Peace (PfP) Program, foreign assignments have notably increased in importance.

DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance is dedicated to improving the security of states and people within a framework of democratic governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

DCAF assists partner states, and international actors supporting these states, to improve the governance of their security sector through inclusive and participatory reforms based on international norms and good practices.

DCAF creates original knowledge products, promotes norms and good practices, provides policy advice, and supports capacity building of non-governmental security sector stakeholders.

The International Security Sector Advisory Team (ISSAT) provides practical support to the international community in its efforts to improve security and justice, primarily in conflict-affected and fragile states. It does this by working with a group of member states and institutions to develop and promote good security and justice reform practices and principles, and by helping its members to build their capacity to support national and regional security and justice reform processes.