The Spanish Verification Unit celebrates its 34th anniversary

• The UVE commemorates more than 30 years of service to Spain in the field of arms control, disarmament and international verification.

The Spanish Verification Unit (UVE) celebrated its 34th anniversary at the Retamares base in Pozuelo de Alarcón, highlighting its more than 30 years of service to Spain in the field of arms control, disarmament and international verification.

The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JEMACON), Lieutenant General José Antonio Herrera Llamas, who was accompanied by the Chief of Operations Command (CMOPS) and Chief of the Retamares Base, Lieutenant General José Antonio Agüero Martínez, and by the Chief of the Spanish Verification Unit (JUVE), Colonel Carlos Javier Armada Vázquez. The ceremony was also attended by the generals in charge of the other Retamares units and EMCON divisions, or their representatives. Authorities from bodies outside the EMAD and a large group of former UVE members also attended.

During the event, the Ministerial Order creating the UVE and the agenda were read out, with congratulations on the anniversary. JUVE then gave a speech in which he thanked the authorities and former members of the Unit for their presence and highlighted the main tasks and challenges facing the UVE in the current international context.

He also highlighted the characteristics that define the Unit, such as versatility, adaptability, dedication, training, spirit of service and pride of belonging. All of these enable UVE personnel to successfully carry out their tasks in the field of arms control, disarmament and international verification.

Next, the Head of the Information Group gave a presentation on conflicts in the area covered by arms control treaties, particularly with regard to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

This was followed by speeches from former members and staff assigned to the UVE, who shared experiences and anecdotes from over the years in an atmosphere of camaraderie and pride in belonging. Their presence at the anniversary always reinforces the cohesion and spirit that has characterised the UVE since its creation.

The event concluded with closing remarks by JEMACON, who congratulated the Unit's staff for their track record and commitment, as well as for their efforts in connection with the move from the Central Defence Academy facilities to the Retamares Base. He also highlighted the proactivity of the UVE members in facing new challenges, such as verification exercises and participation in Joint Commissions (COMMIX) within bilateral cooperation programmes.

The UVE is the State's tool for complying with obligations arising from international arms control treaties and for addressing future challenges in the area of security and stability. Its tasks are manifold, as it carries out inspections, assessments, observation flights and other verification activities in other States, coordinated in the appropriate forums with allied countries and with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Its staff are highly trained technically, have language skills in English and Russian, knowledge of materials and equipment, and solid experience in negotiation in multinational and operational environments.