The operation has been underway since 26 October 2001 (it officially commenced on 6 October 2001), with the strategic aim of ensuring and showing NATO’s involvement and resolve in the fight against terrorism. It is the only operation based on Article 5 of the Washington Treaty.

A part of the Standing Naval Force in the Eastern Mediterranean is engaged in the operation. In March 2004, the operation was extended over the entire Mediterranean so as to improve its efficiency.

It is headed by the Allied Maritime Component for Southern Europe based in Naples. Operations in the Eastern Mediterranean are conducted by the Standing Naval Force Mediterranean and the Standing Naval Force Atlantic in rotation.

At the Istanbul NATO Summit, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council members, Mediterranean Dialogue countries, interested countries of the broader Middle East, and individual contact countries were invited to participate in the operation.

The invitation was accepted by Russia in December 2004 and Ukraine in April 2005. Israel accepted the invitation in October 2006 and agreement on participation with Albania is in the final stage. Interest in participating in the operation was expressed by partner states Finland and Croatia and by Mediterranean Dialogue countries Egypt, Algeria and Morocco.

Slovenia’s participation

Slovenia supports the OAE, since the country has been endeavouring towards an effective fight against terrorism and estimates that the operation represents an appropriate framework. Slovenia does not participate in the operation yet.

More information available at: www.nato.int/issues/active_endeavour/index.html

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