The controversy centers on the Hungarian government's mid-March announcement that it had agreed to a Russian proposal to extend the Blue Stream pipeline. Under the arrangement, Russian natural gas would reach Hungary via Turkey and the Balkans.

Unilateral Action

But some media are saying Hungary is positioning itself to gain preferential access to Russian gas and become a hub for Gazprom's operations in Central Europe. Furthermore, the argument goes, in agreeing to the deal the Hungarians became party to Russia's efforts to tighten their grip on energy deliveries to Europe.

Another concern, the media say, is that Hungary's decision sabotages the European Union's pet project -- the Nabucco pipeline, which was intended to circumvent Russian routes in bringing Caspian and Middle East gas to Europe.