From 6 to 9 October 2025, the Vienna Document 2011 Compliance and Verification Course was held in Budapest, Hungary. The activity was organized by RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation in cooperation with Hungary and supported by Federal Republic of Germany.
The Course brought together 17 participants from RACVIAC Members, Associate Members, Kosovo*, Japan, as well as lecturers from Republic of Slovenia, French Republic, Federal Republic of Germany, Republic of Serbia, Hungary and OSCE.
The Course started on October 6, 2025 with an Opening session with remarks from RACVIAC Director, H.E. Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie and LtC Mihail Istvanovics Várdai from the Arms Control Branch of the Operations Directorate of the Hungarian Defence Forces.
In his address, RACVIAC Director, H.E. Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, emphasized that despite the current challenges confronting the international arms control framework, the Vienna Document remains a vital instrument od transparency, dialogue and trust among OSCE participating States. He welcomed the participants, stressing that the involvement of US DTRA and Japan demonstrates the importance of collaboration beyond the region.
The Director also thanked Hungary for hosting the activity and the Federal Republic of Germany for its continued support, and expressed sincere gratitude to the lecturers for contributing with their knowledge and expertise. Ambassador Grigorie additionally highlighted RACVIAC 25th anniversary and underlined that this Course has been one of the Centre’s longest-running activities since 2001.
The aim of the Course was to provide a comprehensive overview of the provisions of the Vienna Document 2011, combining theoretical lectures with practical exercises hosted by the Hungarian military units. Over the four days, participants were engaged in nine key topics before the practical segment, which took place in Hajdúsámson, Hajdúhadház, Nyíregyháza and Szentendre and provided participants with hands-on experience in implementing confidence- and security-building measures.
The Course concluded with a Closing ceremony during which certificates were awarded to participants. In his Closing address Rear Admiral Stipanović, Deputy Director of RACVIAC, thanked the participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions throughout the week. He also highlighted the diversity and dedication of the group, underlining the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding in the field of arms control and military transparency. Deputy Director also expressed appreciation to the guest speakers and instructors for their expertise, and thanked Hungary for hosting the activity, as well as Federal Republic of Germany, French Republic, Republic of Serbia, Republic of Slovenia, and the OSCE for their continued support. Marking the 25th anniversary of RACVIAC, he noted that the Course exemplifies the Centre’s enduring commitment to fostering regional security, transparency, and trust.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence. (In accordance with Arrangements regarding regional representation and cooperation.)
