European Seminar New Operational Programmes 2021-27

Merike NiitepõldHead of Managing Authority Central Baltic Programme, Regional Council of South-West Finland

Since 2011 Merike Niitepõld has been working at the Managing Authority of the Central Baltic Interreg Programme. Before that Merike Niitepõld had both worked in the Joint Secretariat of the Central Baltic programme and been involved in the programming for the periods 2007-2013 and 2014-2020. In the years 2001-2008 Merike Niitepõld worked in the management of Interreg projects and other environmental projects.

Nataša PrahHead of Unit, Ministry of Finance, Slovenia

Nataša Prah was a Director of the Budget Supervision Office of the Republic of Slovenia, responsible for auditing EU funds, public internal financial control and budgetary inspection for 11 years. Now she works as a Head of Unit, responsible for auditing European Funds. Working for eight years in accountancy and statutory auditing and fifteen years in public sector auditing, she has accumulated an impressive experience in auditing. She has been awarded the title Verified Statutory Auditor (chartered accountant) by the Slovenian Institute of Auditors as well as she has been given the title of a Verified State Internal Auditor (issued by CIPFA) and a Verified State Auditor (issued by the Slovenian Supreme Audit Institution). As a lecturer in the process of acquiring the qualification of Certified Public Accountant and Verified State Internal Auditor, performed under the supervision of CIPFA, she is responsible for two modules: Cost Accounting and Auditing Management Performance.

Louis VervloetGeneral Director, ESF-Agentenschap Vlaanderen / ESF-Agency Flanders

Louis Vervloet is the General Director of the Flemish ESF-Agency, the Managing Authority for the ESF in Flanders. He has a vast experience in working in public administration and is acquainted with the ESF for over 30 years. In his current position, he is responsible for the relations with the European Commission and for the setting up, implementation, monitoring and control of ESF programmes. Additionally, he is member of the European ESF Committee representing Belgium and the Flemish Policy Council on Employment and Social Economy.