Several European countries are asking the EU to change rules on taxes and permits

Several European Union countries are pushing for changes to EU policies they say are creating problems. Portugal wants a new digital system to reduce paperwork for businesses, while Germany and Italy are asking for EU-wide action to speed up slow project approval processes. Separately, Italy and France are seeking an exemption from a new EU carbon tax on imported fertilizers, and Italy wants the European Commission to join a legal case against Switzerland over a deadly bar fire.