The Minister of Labor and Welfare of Armenia, Arsen Torosyan, does not think that the dismissal of the former Secretary of the Security Council, Armen Grigoryan, was related to his position on joining the European Union.
Speaking to journalists after the government session on November 12, the minister stated that the presence of different opinions in the ruling political team is natural, and Grigoryan’s article criticizing the European integration policy can also be useful for the authorities.
Former Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan In the article “The Illusion of EU Membership” published on November 11, he evaluated the prospect of Armenia joining the European Union as unrealistic, claiming that attempts to achieve that goal may not reduce, but deepen the country’s dependence on Russia.
In his assessment, the EU membership agenda can limit Armenia’s foreign policy maneuvering opportunities, endanger economic stability and complicate relations with regional partners. Grigoryan also expressed concern that the political agenda surrounding European integration may overshadow the problems of strengthening democracy in Armenia.
Journalists asked Torosyan whether Grigoryan had previously taken such a position within the government, and to what extent his published views contradict the policies of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the government.
The minister did not agree that it is about sharp or diametrically opposite positions, stressing that there are constant discussions on various issues in the political team. “In our political team, there are many opinions on various issues, which are always discussed. I also have different opinions on many issues than my colleagues,” said Torosyan.
According to him, decisions are made as a result of internal discussions and sometimes votes, for which the political team bears collective responsibility. The minister emphasized that having disagreements on individual issues is not an unusual phenomenon.
Torosyan did not give an unequivocal answer to the question of whether he shares the thoughts expressed in Grigoryan’s article, clarifying that it is possible to agree with one part of the article, but not with the other.
He noted that he has already read the article, but intends to refer to it once more. According to Torosyan, it is necessary to study different points of view, follow regional developments and constantly reassess the situation based on new information.
The minister also did not rule out that Grigoryan’s publication could be useful for the authorities, adding that time will show its significance.
Journalists were also interested in whether Grigoryan’s position on European integration could be the reason for his dismissal. “I don’t think so, I don’t think so,” answered Torosyan, reminding that Grigoryan held the position of Secretary of the Security Council for about eight years, and politicians occupy positions at different stages and later leave them.
Turning to the question of whether Grigoryan can become part of the new opposition pole formed from within the government, the minister noted that the former official should be asked about it. “The Republic of Armenia is a democratic country, anyone can do anything prescribed by law,” Torosyan stated.
Armen Grigoryan, who held the post of Secretary of the Security Council since 2018, was relieved of his post on August 13, 2026 by the decision of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. No official detailed explanation of the reasons for his removal was provided.
In March 2025, the National Assembly of Armenia adopted the law on the initiation of the accession process of Armenia to the European Union. However, this decision does not mean the submission of an EU membership application or the official start of membership negotiations.
—