economic development and the human dimension, which includes human and minority rights, democracy and the rule of law. The OSCE traditionally applies a comprehensive concept of security. 2.1.2 Challenges, risks and threats Conventional attacks against Austria have become unlikely for the foreseeable future. Instead, both Austria and the EU are all the more affected by new challenges, risks and threats. These include first and foremost: international terrorism; the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (also amongst non-state actors); domestic and regional conflicts or turmoil that affect Europe or have global repercussions; “state failure”; natural or man-made disasters; attacks against the security of IT systems (“cyber attacks”); threats to the strategic infrastructure; transnational organised crime; drug trafficking, crime, corruption, illegal migration; unsuccessful integration; the scarcity of resources (energy, food, water), climate change, environmental damage and pandemics; piracy and threats to the transport routes, and the repercussions of the international financial and economic crisis on security. In light of continuously increasing political, economic and social linkages, it has to be expected that the challenges facing Austria’s security will become progressively more international in scope. The importance of cooperation of the international stakeholders in accordance with the principle of a division of labour for comparative advantage (“comprehensive approach”) is constantly growing. This cooperation must prioritise aspects of coordination, complementarities and coherence, as required in the “Vienna 3C Appeal” which was adopted, following an Austrian initiative. 2.1.3 Opportunities and possibilities of shaping security policy Security policy must be considered an opportunity for active planning; merely reacting to threats would fall short of what is required. In view of Austria’s geographical position, its cultural and political ties, and its traditional, internationally recognised active approach to foreign and security policy, Austria avails itself of special opportunities to shape internal and external security, both bilaterally and within the framework of international organisations. This applies not only to the conceptual area, but also to crisis management operations. Austria benefits from the existence of efficient, strong, solidarity-based communities and is also required to contribute adequately to their operational and functional capacity. Austria contributes to shaping security policies first and foremost within the UN, the EU, the OSCE, in its partnerships with NATO and within the Council of Europe. Moreover, it collaborates with regional partners and other stakeholders where appropriate. Austria’s foreign deployments, which have been conducted since 1960, and its active role in international crisis management, constitute pivotal instruments in security policy operations. One of the positive side effects of Austria’s involvement in international civil and military crisis management is that the Austrian Armed Forces, the Austrian police forces, the judicial system and other experts are incorporated into an international network and compete internationally. This means that they are subjected to an ongoing process of transformation and modernisation, which is pivotal in ensuring that the Austrian forces always satisfy the highest and up-to-date of standards. Regional initiatives, such as the ones Austria undertook for the Danube region and the Black Sea region, open up further opportunities for shaping security and exerting influence. 7