Meet the Chairs - Jean-Claude Chilon

Because fleet cards facilitate access to a broad range of goods and services, different tax regimes across different EU countries apply to them. The Chair of the Tax Working Group, Jean-Claude Chilon, shares what his group's work is and what their main goals are, what makes his role rewarding, and how this makes a difference for our members. 

Tell us Jean-Claude, what does the Tax Working Group do? 

The Tax Working Group brings together tax experts from across FCE’s membership to monitor VAT developments at both EU and national level, share knowledge and assess their implications for the fleet card industry. 

An important part of our role is also to engage with policymakers and help ensure there is a clear understanding of how fleet cards operate and the role they play in facilitating cross-border mobility. As the industry evolves beyond traditional fuels towards electricity and broader mobility services, we also need to consider how the tax framework applies to these changing business models. 

You have recently been appointed to this position. What are your main priorities? 

One of my priorities for the coming year is to focus on how an indirect tax framework can support the continued development of cross-border e-mobility. With ViDA moving into implementation and EV charging becoming an increasingly important part of our members’ businesses, we want to identify practical issues early, develop common industry positions, and engage constructively with policymakers. The objective is to support an indirect tax framework that provides greater clarity and consistency as mobility business models continue to evolve. 

What are you enjoying the most about your role? 

What I enjoy most is bringing together different perspectives to address complex issues in a practical way. Our members have significant experience of how VAT rules operate across different markets and business models. Bringing that expertise together, finding common ground and translating practical experience into constructive engagement with policymakers is a particularly rewarding part of the role. 

And how does the group create value for members? 

The Working Group gives members a forum to share expertise, identify emerging tax issues, and understand how regulatory developments may affect their businesses. By working collectively, we can develop common positions and engage with policymakers with a stronger industry voice. 

This becomes increasingly important as the mobility ecosystem evolves. Greater clarity and consistency in the VAT framework can help members navigate change, support cross-border business and continue developing services across fuel, EV charging and the wider mobility market.