 Vălean has a master's degree in European Integration and Security Studies, postgraduate studies in National Security and Defence Management and a bachelor's degree in mathematics.A member of the National Liberal Party (PNL), and a member of the European Peoples Party, Vălean was elected to the Chamber of Deputies on the Justice and Truth list for Călăraşi County (during the 2004 elections).Vălean became a Member of the European Parliament on 1 January 2007, with the accession of Romania to the European Union.