Member of the House of Representatives of the PABiH, Saša Magazinović, meets with the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to BiH

European and anti-corruption laws must be adopted urgently

A Member of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PABiH), Saša Magazinović, met today with the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Georg Diwald.

During the meeting, the interlocutors exchanged views on the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with particular emphasis on the European integration process. Ambassador Diwald underlined the strong and continuous support of the Republic of Austria for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path, stressing that the country’s progress is in the interest of all citizens, as well as the stability of the entire region.

Magazinović briefed the Ambassador on the activities and priorities in the work of the House of Representatives, particularly in the area of reform legislation that is crucial for further progress in meeting obligations towards the European Union. He emphasised that he belongs to a group of people who perceive European integration as a powerful instrument for the positive transformation of the state. In this context, he underlined that there are many who are vocal advocates of European integration in public, while in reality, they do everything within their power to halt these processes and preserve the status quo.

Magazinović stressed the need for the urgent unblocking of all state institutions and for the acceleration of reforms, particularly in the field of combating corruption. In this regard, he specifically mentioned the need to adopt anti-corruption legislation, such as amendments to the Law on Public Procurement and amendments to the Criminal Code, which have still not been adopted by the House of Peoples of the PABiH. By adopting these laws, a vast amount of money that, in the public procurement process, ends up in private pockets could instead be used to improve healthcare, education and infrastructure projects, Magazinović said. In addition, those responsible for the embezzlement of public funds would end up in prison, which would represent the satisfaction of justice and a precondition for restoring trust in institutions. For all these reasons, Magazinović emphasised, many powerful individuals from the worlds of politics and business are attempting to block these laws.

The meeting also addressed bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria, which were assessed as exceptionally good and stable, with mutual readiness for their further enhancement, particularly in the fields of the economy, culture and education. Ambassador Diwald informed Magazinović of the increased interest of Austrian investors in investing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing that Austria will do everything to ensure that as many jobs as possible are created in Bosnia and Herzegovina for young, educated and talented people, and to halt their departure from the country. (Press release from the Caucus of the SDP BiH Members of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH)