in greater cooperation, division of labour and burden sharing, even beyond the bounds of individual organisations. In addition, it will bring about an increasing level of specialisation. Cooperation between the EU and NATO is expected to be intensified. Austria will make the best possible use of the possibilities offered by the European External Action Service (EEAS). Invitations to suitable third countries to participate in CSDP activities are also supported by Austria. 3.3.3 Council of Europe Austria strongly supports all efforts to bring the new Member States of the Council of Europe in the east of the European continent closer to the high standards of this organisation. 3.4 Austrian security policy in the international context 3.4.1 Internal security All of the important challenges facing the internal security of Austria possess an international dimension. Austrian security policy, therefore, aims at making a pro-active contribution to the stability and security of problematic countries of origin and transit, which are relevant to the security of Austria and the EU. This involves the following objectives, in particular: • Supporting the countries in the Western Balkans and South-East Europe, as they are brought into line with EU security standards and working together with partners from the “Salzburg Forum”, where possible. • Needs-based cooperation, primarily with countries in the eastern neighbourhood but also in the southern EU neighbourhood (preferably working together with partners wherever possible). • Targeted cooperation with the USA and Russia as the EU’s strategic partners in the field of internal security as well as with countries in the directly relevant regions surrounding Austria. An essential objective from the perspective of internal security is ensuring that the opportunities for cooperation within the UN are exploited to a greater extent. In doing so, particular consideration must be given to the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) initiated by Austria. It is also in the interest of Austria’s internal security to utilise the OSCE to a greater extent. 3.4.2 External security 3.4.2.1 United Nations In light of its traditional policy and recognised expertise, Austria will be instrumental in the UN’s efforts to promote peace and stability, especially in the UN’s work across the whole spectrum of crisis management. Within the scope of its possibilities, Austria will play an active role in decision-making, planning and developing the UN’s work in crisis management. This also applies to the development of potentially new areas of security activities of the UN and its special organisations. Austria will continue to bid for membership in the relevant bodies of the UN and utilise these memberships accordingly. Furthermore, Austria will play a committed role with regard to the 14