On  proposal of Defence Minister Steven Vandeput, the Council of Ministers agreed on the Belgian contribution to the multinational operation Open Spirit 2015 demining in the Baltic Sea.

During this operation, the ship BNS Lobelia contribute to the detection and destruction of sea mines and explosive devices still from the two world wars in the Baltic Sea, as well as in territorial waters and in the Estonian EEZ.

About 45 soldiers will be on board BNS Lobelia, for about two weeks from the third week of May, 2015.

The staff will be hired under the subheading international assistance (RA-03 coefficient 2) for the duration of the demining operation.