Bosnian MP Sasa Magazinovic urged the colleagues in the European Parliament to respond to French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement on the alleged problem of returning jihadists in Bosnia and to provide the support that Bosnia now needs “more than ever.”

Magazinovic, who represents the Social-Democratic Party (SDP), which is an associate party of the Party of European Socialists (PES), said Macron’s words were completely grounded on false information and that this makes damage to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Regarding the statement of President of the Republic of France, Emmanuel Macron, who said that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a time-bomb ticking right next to Croatia and that Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing the problem of returning extremists, I believe that this is a statement completely grounded on false information and is essentially inaccurate, as well as detrimental to Bosnia and Herzegovina. I emphasise that this, after blocking the European road of (North) Macedonia and Albania, is the second wrong move of the French President in a short period of time,” said Magazinovic.

Contrary to the French President’s words, he said, Bosnia and Herzegovina was recognised as a country that has made great progress in combatting terrorism and none of its nationals was identified as a participant in terrorist acts across Europe and the world.

President Macron can have this information confirmed in a simple way, said Magazinovic.

“Previous communication with MPs in the European Parliament who are the part of our family undoubtedly say that the latest decisions and statements of the French President regarding the Balkans won’t be left without a response. However, I ask you to understand that we need your specific and resolute help and support more than ever The whole region is facing the problems that can be solved if the EU institutions take them essentially and not bureaucratically so that the region can take one completely different, more positive pace,” he said.