French President Emmanuel Macron has said in his interview with The Economist that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a "ticking time-bomb" and the greatest concern for Europe in the Balkans due to the country's "problem of returning jihadists," which prompted Bosnia's Presidency member Zeljko Komsic to summon France's ambassador in Sarajevo for an explanation.

Bosnia’s media outlets reported on Thursday that Komsic’s office would summon Ambassador Guillaume Rousson to clarify Macron’s statement.

Asked about his decision in October to block Albania and North Macedonia’s bid to start European Union membership talks, Macron said neither of the two nations was the primary source of concern in the Balkans.

“If you’re concerned about this region, the first question is neither Macedonia, nor Albania, it’s Bosnia-Herzegovina. The time-bomb that’s ticking right next to (the EU member) Croatia, and which faces the problem of returning jihadists,” Macron said, referring to escaped or released Islamic State fighters who could return to Europe.

Macron is in favour of changing the procedure for accession of new aspirants to the European Union.