Spanish Verification Unit (UVE) carries out a Vienna Document inspection in Sweden

• The Inspection within the specified area took place from February 7th to 10th 

The Spanish Verification Unit (UVE) is the unit in charge of ensuring compliance with the Arms Control Treaties signed by most European countries, within the framework of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), in order to promote greater openness and transparency in their military activities, and thus contribute to the development and strengthening of peace, stability and international security.

On this basis, between 7 and 10 February, the UVE carried out a Vienna Document 2011 Inspection in Sweden to verify that no military activities were taking place that should have been notified in advance.

The team made up of two UVE member inspectors and two guest inspectors from the USA and Slovenia respectively. After arrival at Arlanda International Airport in Stockholm, the Heads of the Inspection and Escort Teams agreed on the inspection plan for the following days.

The inspection started in Linköping, where the Helicopter Wing is located. During the first working day, five of the six units present within the Specified Area were visited. In addition to receiving briefings, the area was flown over in a Swedish Air Force Sikorsky UH-60M helicopter.

The second day of the inspection included a comprehensive visit to the 4th Marine Regiment Älvsborg in Göteborg. This very recently established regiment is part of the Swedish Navy whose area of operations includes littoral zones, estuaries, archipelagos, inlets, waterways and harbours.

Sweden demonstrated at all times exact compliance with the Vienna Document and this was conveyed to the Swedish Escort Team by the Head of the Inspection Team.