Gazprom Extends South Stream to Italy

The Italian economy Minister outlined the routes which will bring Blue Stream to Italy. In Moscow to promote trade links, he says experts are deciding an end point of either Brindisi in the South, or Trieste in the North.

In the EU Italy has become Gazprom's chief lobbyist. Prime Minister Berlusconi blasted Brussels for leaving Russia out of a deal to upgrade Ukraine's gas pipelines. And Rome supports direct access for Gazprom to European consumers.

But Gazprom knows Italy's support is not enough. The firm's mobilising an international corporate coalition including Germany's E.On, Italy's Eni and Gaz de France, to fight unfriendly EU decisions.