A 4/3-Approximation Algorithm for the Minimum 2-Edge Connected Subgraph Problem

We present a factors 4/3 approximation algorithm for the problem of finding a minimum 2-edge connected spanning subgraph of a given undirected multigraph. The algorithm is based upon a reduction to a restricted class of graphs. In these graphs, the approximation algorithm constructs a 2-edge connected spanning subgraph by modifying the smallest 2-edge cover.