Valencian Bartolomé Nofuentes appointed Head of European Funds for Eastern Europe

Bartolomé Nofuentes. EPDA

The Valencian politician Bartolomé Nofuentes will be the new head of European Funds for Eastern Europe, specifically for Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia in the pre-accession process, as well as for Romania and Bulgaria, currently members of the European Union. Therefore, it is essential that they receive guidance and training on how to apply for European funds through a robust structure. Nofuentes has been selected along with eight other individuals from different countries to lead assistance efforts in the Balkans.

The goal is to initiate specific training and exchange actions in municipalities and regions of Eastern Europe so that, during this pre-accession phase to the European Union, they can apply for European Funds more efficiently and quickly, and know which funds are most suitable for their area. Furthermore, the guidance will focus on four major pillars: employment, entrepreneurship, mobility, and circular economy, all aimed at the growth and sustainability of the region.

The European Commission has taken into account Nofuentes' expertise in making this choice, given his extensive experience with European Funds. He has previously served as a special advisor on this matter for the Valencian regional government and as the driving force behind the specialized department for these funds in the Valencia Provincial Council. He is also the vice president of Partenalia, one of the most important networks of local governments, comprising 25 intermediate governments from six EU countries: Portugal, France, Spain, Belgium, Italy, and Sweden. With 30 years of experience, Partenalia is a reference framework for the involvement of local communities in the European context and for the development and implementation of innovative local policies.

Nofuentes has done exceptional work in the Valencian Community, advising municipalities, joint associations, and numerous representatives of the business and commercial sectors.