The European Union and Arms Control: VCDNP and IAI at the University of Valencia

On 15 and 16 February 2024, Federica Dall’Arche, Senior Research Associate at the VCDNP, and Manuel Herrera, Research Fellow at the International Affairs Institute (IAI), joined Prof. Clara Portela and faculty staff of the University of Valencia in a series of events to engage students and young scholars, offering perspectives on a career and various engagement opportunities in arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament.  

The first event took place during a career fair organised by the Faculty of Law.

In a dedicated panel discussion, Federica Dall’Arche and Manuel Herrera shared their experience as researchers and professionals in the field of arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament. They discussed their studies and career paths, what sparked their interest in the field, and what it means to work for a think tank. They also shared information about the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC), of which both the VCDNP and IAI are part, and the opportunities it offers to young professionals.

Their insights generated a lively discussion and many questions from the students, who asked for information and hands-on advice, including how to select valuable sources when trying to stay up to date with current geopolitical events or how to prepare strong job applications.

The second event, held on 16 February and titled “The European Union and Arms Control”, included two panel discussions.

The first panel exposed undergraduate and graduate students from the Faculty of Law and Political Science to geopolitics, international security, and more specifically to arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation issues.

Federica Dall’Arche presented on the principles of non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament, covering the origins of the regimes, including their rationales and the international context in which they were created as well as their contemporary relevance within the global state of affairs. Particular attention during her presentation was devoted to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). 

Prof. Clara Portela’s presentation was dedicated to the role of the European Union in the field and particularly in the NPT review process, explaining how internal consultations within the EU are carried out to establish common positions on these important issues.

Manuel Herrera focused on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the international agreement reached in 2015 between Iran and the EU+3 (Germany, France, and the United Kingdom), China, Russia, and the United States, as a case study to demonstrate the EU’s role in negotiations on nuclear issues.

Both panels were moderated by Jose Manuel Sanchez, Professor of International Law at the University of Valencia.

At the end of the event, many students approached speakers to ask for specific ways to get involved with the Consortium and to prepare strong applications for the opportunities offered by the Consortium.

The visit was organised in the framework of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative. The YWNGI, an effort of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium, is possible thanks to the generous support of the European Union and aims to engage the next generation and to raise awareness of non-proliferation, disarmament, and arms control issues. The VCDNP and IAI thank the University of Valencia for hosting the events.