EU weighs bloc-wide windfall tax as record fuel prices stoke political pressure

European governments are discussing a bloc-wide windfall tax on energy companies as near-record fuel and gas prices, partly attributed to Middle East tensions, fuel public discontent ahead of elections in eight EU countries. The German minister's accusation that firms are 'exploiting the situation' signals a policy shift toward intervention, though details remain uncertain. This matters as it could reshape energy market dynamics and add to inflationary pressures across the bloc.