Reuters first to report Nabucco gas pipeline deal to be signed

Reuters broke news on July 3 that intergovernmental accords for an 8 billion euro gas pipeline deal would be signed in Ankara on July 13 by Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Germany and Turkey. The story came at a time when the future of the pipeline was in danger because of Turkey’s demands that it get 15 percent of throughput. The story was confirmed by the EU later that day and by Turkey’s foreign ministry 2 days later. The story was largely used by the Turkish and foreign media, with CNBCe and CNN Turk carrying it as breaking news credited to Reuters. The pipeline project is seen as crucial to relieving Europe’s reliance on Russian supplies by bringing in gas from central Asia through Turkey and southeastern Europe.