Charles Michel

Last updated: May 29, 2026

Charles Michel served as President of the European Council from 2019 to 2024 and was the principal architect of the Brussels mediation format for Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations. He personally hosted multiple rounds of talks between Pashinyan and Aliyev in Brussels, establishing the EU as a third mediation track alongside the Russian and US formats. The Brussels process produced several joint statements and a framework for future negotiations, though a comprehensive peace treaty remained elusive throughout his tenure.

Michel’s engagement with the South Caucasus reflected a broader EU strategic interest in projecting influence into a region that had been predominantly within Russia’s orbit. His willingness to engage directly with both Pashinyan and Aliyev gave the Brussels format a visibility that prior EU diplomatic efforts in the region had lacked. Critics noted, however, that the format lacked enforcement mechanisms and that Michel’s approach sometimes prioritized the appearance of process over concrete outcomes.

Groong covered the Brussels rounds of negotiations extensively, tracking the joint statements, the gaps between public positions and private commitments, and the role Michel played in shaping the EU’s South Caucasus policy. Episodes in this category address the substance of what was agreed or not agreed in Brussels, the relative weight of the EU format versus the Russian and US tracks, and what the Brussels process revealed about EU leverage in the region.

Groong episodes that include this tag

Below are all Groong episodes tagged with Charles Michel.

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War
  • Effect on Armenia
  • June Parliamentary Elections

Episode 522 | Recorded: March 16, 2026

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War
  • Effect on Armenia
  • June Parliamentary Elections

Episode 522 | Recorded: March 16, 2026

Guest:

Topics:

  • Public TV Cancels Catholicos New Year’s Address
  • Governor Hunting Season
  • “Zangezur corridor” redux; “Peace treaty”
  • Thoughts from the Participants
    • Podcasts, labels, and language of division

Episode 301 | Recorded: January 8, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Public TV Cancels Catholicos New Year’s Address
  • Governor Hunting Season
  • “Zangezur corridor” redux; “Peace treaty”
  • Thoughts from the Participants
    • Podcasts, labels, and language of division

Episode 301 | Recorded: January 8, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Outstanding Causes of the Conflict
  • Why did Aliyev Bail out of Granada?
  • Could Azerbaijan Attack Armenia?
  • How Might Events Unfold?

Episode 283 | Recorded: October 5, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Outstanding Causes of the Conflict
  • Why did Aliyev Bail out of Granada?
  • Could Azerbaijan Attack Armenia?
  • How Might Events Unfold?

Episode 283 | Recorded: October 5, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh Surrenders, Armenia Watches
  • What “Peace Treaty” in Granada?
  • Arrested Artsakh Leaders Held Hostage

Episode 281 | Recorded: October 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh Surrenders, Armenia Watches
  • What “Peace Treaty” in Granada?
  • Arrested Artsakh Leaders Held Hostage

Episode 281 | Recorded: October 1, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Yerevan Mayoral Elections
  • Artsakh Domestic Developments
  • Developments in Geopolitics and Negotiations

Episode 277 | Recorded: Sep 3, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Yerevan Mayoral Elections
  • Artsakh Domestic Developments
  • Developments in Geopolitics and Negotiations

Episode 277 | Recorded: Sep 3, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Situation in Artsakh
  • Yerevan Elections Heating Up
  • July MPG Survey Outtakes
  • August MPG Survey Outtakes
  • Baku Poll
  • Thoughts on the Economy

Episode 273 | Recorded: August 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Situation in Artsakh
  • Yerevan Elections Heating Up
  • July MPG Survey Outtakes
  • August MPG Survey Outtakes
  • Baku Poll
  • Thoughts on the Economy

Episode 273 | Recorded: August 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Azerbaijani Propaganda in Shushi
  • Situation in Artsakh

Episode 271 | Recorded: July 31, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Azerbaijani Propaganda in Shushi
  • Situation in Artsakh

Episode 271 | Recorded: July 31, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 270, July 19, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - July 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Continuing Azeri Aggression
    • Daily shootings, mortar fire
    • Constant shooting at farmers in the fields
    • Level of hardship
    • Level of determination
  • Azerbaijan claims Armenians can use road through Aghdam
    • Chales Michel welcomes this!?!?!?!?
  • “National Movement” Launched on July 14, 2023
    • What is the message to the world, and goals?
  • HayaQve (.am)

Episode 270 | Recorded: July 19, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 270, July 19, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - July 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Continuing Azeri Aggression
    • Daily shootings, mortar fire
    • Constant shooting at farmers in the fields
    • Level of hardship
    • Level of determination
  • Azerbaijan claims Armenians can use road through Aghdam
    • Chales Michel welcomes this!?!?!?!?
  • “National Movement” Launched on July 14, 2023
    • What is the message to the world, and goals?
  • HayaQve (.am)

Episode 270 | Recorded: July 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Latest on Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Economic State in Armenia
  • September Yerevan Mayoral Elections
  • Estimating the War Dead
  • Hayaqve [.am]

Episode 269 | Recorded: July 17, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Latest on Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Economic State in Armenia
  • September Yerevan Mayoral Elections
  • Estimating the War Dead
  • Hayaqve [.am]

Episode 269 | Recorded: July 17, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue
    • You say Chisinau, I say Kishinev
    • Deputy PMs Meet in Moscow
  • Israeli President Visits Azerbaijan
  • Pashinyan Attends Erdogan’s Inauguration
  • Armenia-Russia Relations

Episode 260 | Recorded: June 5, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue
    • You say Chisinau, I say Kishinev
    • Deputy PMs Meet in Moscow
  • Israeli President Visits Azerbaijan
  • Pashinyan Attends Erdogan’s Inauguration
  • Armenia-Russia Relations

Episode 260 | Recorded: June 5, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Accelerated Negotiations
    • Negotiations Carousel
    • Meghri Railway
    • Russia Finances Rasht-Astara
    • Rallies in Artsakh and Kornidzor
  • Artsakh Domestic Politics

Episode 256 | Recorded: May 22, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Accelerated Negotiations
    • Negotiations Carousel
    • Meghri Railway
    • Russia Finances Rasht-Astara
    • Rallies in Artsakh and Kornidzor
  • Artsakh Domestic Politics

Episode 256 | Recorded: May 22, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Pashinyan, Aliyev, Michel Meet in Brussels
    • Azerbaijan Attacks Sotk
  • Turkish Presidential Elections

Episode 255 | Recorded: May 15, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Pashinyan, Aliyev, Michel Meet in Brussels
    • Azerbaijan Attacks Sotk
  • Turkish Presidential Elections

Episode 255 | Recorded: May 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
  • Latest IRI Armenia Poll Results
  • Armenian Census 2022 - Preliminary Results

Episode 252 | Recorded: May 9, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
  • Latest IRI Armenia Poll Results
  • Armenian Census 2022 - Preliminary Results

Episode 252 | Recorded: May 9, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • What agreements were reached between China and Russia?
  • What is the role of India in the new world order?
  • Consequence of moving away from a dollar-denominated global economic order?
  • China as peacemaker in Ukraine
  • China as peacemaker in the Middle East
  • China’s role in Iran and South Caucasus
  • How should Armenia navigate world order changes?

Episode 244 | Recorded: April 5, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • What agreements were reached between China and Russia?
  • What is the role of India in the new world order?
  • Consequence of moving away from a dollar-denominated global economic order?
  • China as peacemaker in Ukraine
  • China as peacemaker in the Middle East
  • China’s role in Iran and South Caucasus
  • How should Armenia navigate world order changes?

Episode 244 | Recorded: April 5, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • On March 7, the Georgian parliament voted into law a bill that would require political actors to clarify their foreign funding sources and their activities to lobby lawmakers with such funding. This ignited large protests in Tbilisi, and on March 9 the parliament agreed to rescind the law and to release arrested opposition members. We analyze the events and the outcome.

Episode 238 | Recorded: March 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • On March 7, the Georgian parliament voted into law a bill that would require political actors to clarify their foreign funding sources and their activities to lobby lawmakers with such funding. This ignited large protests in Tbilisi, and on March 9 the parliament agreed to rescind the law and to release arrested opposition members. We analyze the events and the outcome.

Episode 238 | Recorded: March 15, 2023

Today we’re going to talk with Anna Abrahamian about two or three topics.

  • The Munich Security Conference 2023.
  • We’ll touch on Russian president Putin’s state of the federation address.
  • The latest political developments in Artsakh.

Guest:

  • Anna Abrahamian , a geopolitical analyst who splits her time between Moscow and Athens. Having obtained training in international law, Anna has worked in such noteworthy institutions as the Defense Analyses Institute in Athens as well as the Crisis Group in Brussels. Today, Anna provides her analysis on geopolitics and Armenian politics to her
 Read More

Today we’re going to talk with Anna Abrahamian about two or three topics.

  • The Munich Security Conference 2023.
  • We’ll touch on Russian president Putin’s state of the federation address.
  • The latest political developments in Artsakh.

Guest:

  • Anna Abrahamian , a geopolitical analyst who splits her time between Moscow and Athens. Having obtained training in international law, Anna has worked in such noteworthy institutions as the Defense Analyses Institute in Athens as well as the Crisis Group in Brussels. Today, Anna provides her analysis on geopolitics and Armenian politics to her
 Read More

Guests:

  • Suren Sargsyan , founder and a President at the Armenian Center for American Studies, a research center based in Yerevan.

“Pashinyan’s participation in Munich Security Conference didn’t give anything to Armenia” - Suren Sargsyan

Topic:

Today is day 72 of the total blockade of Artsakh. For 72 days, the 120K citizens of Artsakh have not had the ability to enter or exit their country. They are deprived of the ability to visit Armenia or to receive guests from Armenia. With very limited supplies, they are forced to ration food with the help of food stamps in order to

 Read More

Guests:

  • Suren Sargsyan , founder and a President at the Armenian Center for American Studies, a research center based in Yerevan.

“Pashinyan’s participation in Munich Security Conference didn’t give anything to Armenia” - Suren Sargsyan

Topic:

Today is day 72 of the total blockade of Artsakh. For 72 days, the 120K citizens of Artsakh have not had the ability to enter or exit their country. They are deprived of the ability to visit Armenia or to receive guests from Armenia. With very limited supplies, they are forced to ration food with the help of food stamps in order to

 Read More

Guest:

Topics:

  • 35th Anniversary of the Karabakh Movement
  • Russia Warns the EU and Armenia
  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue
  • Personal topics

Episode 226 | Recorded: February 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • 35th Anniversary of the Karabakh Movement
  • Russia Warns the EU and Armenia
  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue
  • Personal topics

Episode 226 | Recorded: February 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Lachin Corridor Blockade
  • Continuing Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Turkish-Azerbaijani Military Exercises
  • Travel Impressions from the region

Episode 182 | Recorded: December 13, 2022

Guest:

Topics:

  • Lachin Corridor Blockade
  • Continuing Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations
  • Turkish-Azerbaijani Military Exercises
  • Travel Impressions from the region

Episode 182 | Recorded: December 13, 2022

Guest:

Topics:

  • Massive Stepanakert Rally
  • The Sullivan Plan
  • CSTO Security Council Convened
  • Trilateral Summit in Sochi
  • From Sochi to Tehran

Episode 173 | Recorded: November 1, 2022

Guest:

Topics:

  • Massive Stepanakert Rally
  • The Sullivan Plan
  • CSTO Security Council Convened
  • Trilateral Summit in Sochi
  • From Sochi to Tehran

Episode 173 | Recorded: November 1, 2022

Guest:

Topics:

  • Goals and Tactics of Azerbaijan’s Negotiations
  • How did “Corridors” Become a Thing?
  • Russia’s Contributions to the process
  • Options and Scenarios Going Forwards

Episode 168 | Recorded: Friday, October 14, 2022

Guest:

Topics:

  • Goals and Tactics of Azerbaijan’s Negotiations
  • How did “Corridors” Become a Thing?
  • Russia’s Contributions to the process
  • Options and Scenarios Going Forwards

Episode 168 | Recorded: Friday, October 14, 2022

Guest:

Topics:

  • Meetings in Prague
  • Pashinyan Consolidating Power
  • Personal Rants

Episode 167 | Recorded: October 10, 2022

Guest:

Topics:

  • Meetings in Prague
  • Pashinyan Consolidating Power
  • Personal Rants

Episode 167 | Recorded: October 10, 2022

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Sep 4, 2022

Topics:

  • September 2: Artsakh Independence Day
    • September 2 is a public holiday commemorating the day 31 years ago when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic declared independence from the USSR. Before 2020, this would be a festive holiday. This year, there were protests in both Yerevan and Stepanakert as well as visits to the gravesites of fallen heroes.
  • Developments in Geopolitics
    • There were two major meetings this week between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On August 30, the deputy PMs met in Moscow, then on August 31, Pashinyan and Aliyev met
 Read More

Armenian News Network - Groong Week in Review - Sep 4, 2022

Topics:

  • September 2: Artsakh Independence Day
    • September 2 is a public holiday commemorating the day 31 years ago when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic declared independence from the USSR. Before 2020, this would be a festive holiday. This year, there were protests in both Yerevan and Stepanakert as well as visits to the gravesites of fallen heroes.
  • Developments in Geopolitics
    • There were two major meetings this week between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On August 30, the deputy PMs met in Moscow, then on August 31, Pashinyan and Aliyev met
 Read More

Guest(s):

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - June 12, 2022

Topics:

  • The Opposition Activates Politics
  • Russia Revises Lavrov’s Parukh Response
  • War Dividends
  • Caucasus Barometer Survey Takeaways

Guest:

  • Hrant Mikaelian - TW/@Hrant_M

Host:

  • Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriq

Episode 142 | Recorded: Monday, June 13, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220612.html

#lavrov #armeniannews

Guest(s):

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - June 12, 2022

Topics:

  • The Opposition Activates Politics
  • Russia Revises Lavrov’s Parukh Response
  • War Dividends
  • Caucasus Barometer Survey Takeaways

Guest:

  • Hrant Mikaelian - TW/@Hrant_M

Host:

  • Asbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriq

Episode 142 | Recorded: Monday, June 13, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220612.html

#lavrov #armeniannews

Guest(s):

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - June 5, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 02:52 Yerevan Protests Continue
  • 24:30 State of Negotiations on Artsakh
  • 42:27 MPG Gallup Poll Results
  • 44:14 Rants

Guests:

Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan / TW/@Benyamin_Poghos

Host:

Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq Episode 141 | Recorded: Monday, June 6, 2022

Guest(s):

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - June 5, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 02:52 Yerevan Protests Continue
  • 24:30 State of Negotiations on Artsakh
  • 42:27 MPG Gallup Poll Results
  • 44:14 Rants

Guests:

Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan / TW/@Benyamin_Poghos

Host:

Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq Episode 141 | Recorded: Monday, June 6, 2022

Guest(s):

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - May 22, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 01:05 “Agenda of Peace” Negotiations Continue
  • 34:49 Iran-Armenia Relations
  • 44:00 CSTO Leaders Meeting in Moscow
  • 49:44 State of the Opposition Protests
  • 59:51 Hovik’s Rant

Guests:

  • Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan / TW/@Benyamin_Poghos

Host:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 139 | Recorded: Monday, May 23, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220522.html #zartnirlao

Guest(s):

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - May 22, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 01:05 “Agenda of Peace” Negotiations Continue
  • 34:49 Iran-Armenia Relations
  • 44:00 CSTO Leaders Meeting in Moscow
  • 49:44 State of the Opposition Protests
  • 59:51 Hovik’s Rant

Guests:

  • Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan / TW/@Benyamin_Poghos

Host:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 139 | Recorded: Monday, May 23, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220522.html #zartnirlao

Guest(s):

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - May 8, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 00:49 Mass Protests Growing in Yerevan
  • 24:31 FM Mirzoyan in Washington DC
  • 38:38 Normalization Round 3
  • 52:25 Rants

Guest:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_Poghos

Host:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 135 | Recorded: Tuesday, May 10, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220508.html

Guest(s):

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - May 8, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 00:49 Mass Protests Growing in Yerevan
  • 24:31 FM Mirzoyan in Washington DC
  • 38:38 Normalization Round 3
  • 52:25 Rants

Guest:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_Poghos

Host:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 135 | Recorded: Tuesday, May 10, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220508.html

Guest(s):

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - April 24, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00:00 Intro
  • 00:00:53 April 24, Never Forget!
  • 00:15:54 Aliyev and Pashinyan in Brussels
  • 00:41:01 Pashinyan in Moscow
  • 01:01:36 Rants

Guest:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_Poghos

Host:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 133 | Recorded: Monday, April 25, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220424.html

Guest(s):

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - April 24, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00:00 Intro
  • 00:00:53 April 24, Never Forget!
  • 00:15:54 Aliyev and Pashinyan in Brussels
  • 00:41:01 Pashinyan in Moscow
  • 01:01:36 Rants

Guest:

  • Benyamin Poghosyan TW/@Benyamin_Poghos

Host:

  • Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
  • Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 133 | Recorded: Monday, April 25, 2022 Website: https://groong.org/podcasts/WiR-20220424.html

Guest(s):

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - April 10, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00:00 Introduction

  • 00:02:25 Opposition Protests in Yerevan: Thousands showed up to the opposition protest on Tuesday, outlining the red lines for Pashinyan’s dealings with Aliyev, ahead of the meeting in Brussels. Opposition says this is only the beginning, but have yet to indicate what their next steps will be.

  • 00:12:35 Buying Bread from a Man in Brussels: Pashinyan went to Brussels this week to meet with Charles Michel and Ilham Aliyev. Did the Armenian PM

 Read More

Guest(s):

Armenian News Network/Groong Week in Review - April 10, 2022

Topics:

  • 00:00:00 Introduction

  • 00:02:25 Opposition Protests in Yerevan: Thousands showed up to the opposition protest on Tuesday, outlining the red lines for Pashinyan’s dealings with Aliyev, ahead of the meeting in Brussels. Opposition says this is only the beginning, but have yet to indicate what their next steps will be.

  • 00:12:35 Buying Bread from a Man in Brussels: Pashinyan went to Brussels this week to meet with Charles Michel and Ilham Aliyev. Did the Armenian PM

 Read More

Armenia’s Regional Challenges - February 26, 2022 A Conversation with Tatev Hayrapetyan

Topics:

  • Tatev’s Background and Entrance into Politics
  • Armenia Going in the Wrong Direction?
  • Aliyev and his Regime after the 44-Day War
  • The Shushi and Moscow Agreements
  • Armenia’s Foreign Affairs Establishment

Guest:

  • Tatev Hayrapetyan is an expert in Azerbaijani studies and holds a PhD in History. She was an MP at the 7th convocation of Armenia’s National Assembly, a member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Armenian Delegation at the PACE. She is mainly focused on domestic
 Read More

Armenia’s Regional Challenges - February 26, 2022 A Conversation with Tatev Hayrapetyan

Topics:

  • Tatev’s Background and Entrance into Politics
  • Armenia Going in the Wrong Direction?
  • Aliyev and his Regime after the 44-Day War
  • The Shushi and Moscow Agreements
  • Armenia’s Foreign Affairs Establishment

Guest:

  • Tatev Hayrapetyan is an expert in Azerbaijani studies and holds a PhD in History. She was an MP at the 7th convocation of Armenia’s National Assembly, a member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Armenian Delegation at the PACE. She is mainly focused on domestic
 Read More