The Spanish Verification Unit participates in Switzerland in a Vienna Document 2011 Event

• Two representatives from this Unit have collaborated  in an event with representatives from 26 OSCE countries

In accordance with Chapter IV of the Vienna Document 2011 (VD11), Switzerland organised an event consisting of a visit to Combat Wing 11 in Payerne and the military training facility in the Thun area.

No new types of weaponry were presented by Switzerland, but emphasis was placed on future changes for the coming years, such as incentives to increase recruitment in the Swiss army (which has compulsory military service for men and voluntary service for women) and the acquisition of American F-35 fighter jets.

In accordance with DV11, Switzerland sent an invitation to all States Parties more than 42 days before the start of the event, inviting two observers per country to attend. Such activities must be carried out every five years, in accordance with the provisions of DV11.

A total of 50 delegates from 26 countries of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) attended, including two from Belarus, the first event in which they have participated since 2022, and a representative from the OSCE's Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC).

The delegates attended lectures at each of the units visited. They had the opportunity to tour the facilities, observe staff instruction and training, see the different equipment used, and learn about the daily activities of the units visited, as stipulated in DV11. They also had the possibility of talking to staff from the different units and attend static and dynamic exhibitions.

Before the event ended, attendees conducted an evaluation, which was satisfactory as it more than met the requirements stipulated in agreement DV11.

The Spanish Verification Unit is responsible for ensuring compliance with the conventional arms control treaties and agreements signed by Spain within the framework of the OSCE, in order to contribute to the development and strengthening of international peace, stability and security. In this regard, DV11 stipulates that participating States must organise, at least once every five years, a visit to an air base and a military installation. These visits are known as ‘DV Events’.

Spain plans to hold its event next November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where participants will visit the Gando Air Base and the XVI Canary Islands Brigade, where the CASTOR will be presented