The convention effectively turned Serbia into a protectorate state of Austria-Hungary,[2] which meant its accession by proxy to the subsequent Triple Alliance (1882).

The treaty came after the railway convention of 6 April 1881 for the construction of the Belgrade–Niš section of the Vienna–Constantinople railway, and the trade treaty of 6 May 1881 which made Austria-Hungary virtually the sole market for agricultural products from Serbia and thereby dominant.

After the Treaty of Berlin (1878), Serbia chose to accept Austria as its patron since Russia had become a protector of Bulgaria.

[1] Under the treaty, Austria-Hungary pledged to support the Obrenović dynasty, recognised the Serbian prince as king and acknowledged Serbia's southward territorial claims.

In return, Serbia undertook not to allow any agitation or military activity inimical to Austro-Hungarian interests, which notably included those in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sanjak of Novi Pazar, and all foreign treaties of Serbia were to obtain Vienna's prior approval.