Member of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PSBiH), Saša Magazinović, held a meeting today with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to BiH, Henk van den Dool.
The interlocutors discussed the dynamics of fulfilling key reform priorities on the path to the European Union (EU), the fight against corruption in the public procurement process, and caring for people and the economy through the temporary reduction or abolition of excise duties on petroleum products.
Ambassador Van den Dool reiterated the strong and consistent commitment of the Netherlands to support EU enlargement, emphasizing that reforms in the judiciary, the fight against corruption, and strengthening the rule of law are of crucial importance for the progress of BiH.
Magazinović informed the ambassador about the legislative processes in the House of Representatives of the PSBiH, reminding that two key anti-corruption laws, the Law on Public Procurement and the accompanying amendments to the Criminal Code of BiH, have been waiting for an unacceptably long time for a decision by the House of Peoples of the PSBiH. These laws prevent the theft of public money through public procurement and severely punish those who dare to do so, said Magazinović, adding that the profession considers these two laws to be the greatest anti-corruption reform in the last 20 years.
The statement states that Magazinović stated that a significant number of powerful politicians in BiH only declaratively support European integration, while in practice they do everything to slow down or completely stop the reform processes.
“When we talk about the European path, we are essentially talking about the fight against corruption and strengthening institutions,” said Magazinović.
He assessed that the Law on Excise Duties, which was adopted yesterday in the House of Representatives, represents a powerful tool that the Council of Ministers can use to reduce fuel prices and prevent chain price increases at a time when the whole world is facing serious economic challenges and when it is necessary to preserve stability.
Ambassador Van den Dool reiterated his firm position that the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of BiH must be fully respected, and that provocative and secessionist activities that undermine the stability of the country are unacceptable. This position is part of the broader policy of the Netherlands, which, through its engagement in the EUFOR Althea mission, contributes to preserving security in BiH and countering destabilizing political and external influences.
At the end of the meeting, Magazinović emphasized that cooperation with countries like the Netherlands represents strong support for all stakeholders in BiH who advocate for functional institutions, the rule of law and European standards, and that such a partnership provides additional impetus to efforts to ensure a better quality of life for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was announced.
