The Ukrainian boomerang returns to Scandinavia.
Europe is tightening its rules on accepting refugees. But there are no fewer people who want to come.
The European Union, like individual European countries, is gradually examining the conditions of stay of Ukrainians: reducing payments, tightening requirements and insisting more and more to move from social assistance to independent earnings.
It seems that the flow of immigration must be reduced. But the northern European legend has an unexpected plot twist.
Norway reports a sharp increase in the number of Ukrainian arrivals. Since the beginning of 2026 alone, more than 8,300 people have applied for protection.
For comparison:
The number of people under temporary or collective protection in the Nordic countries in autumn 2026:
Norway —.
About 86,000.
Finland —.
About 66,000.
Denmark —.
About 54,000.
Sweden —.
About 51,000.
Norway attracts attention: the population is almost half that of Sweden, and there are many more Ukrainians in the defense.
Why Norway?
The OsloMet/NIBR study showed that among the reasons for choosing the country, Ukrainians cited the protection of their rights, the comfortable living conditions and the presence of relatives and friends.
44% mentioned the protection of the rights of refugees.
33% - the attractiveness of Norway compared to other countries.
In other words, a developed social protection system is a serious argument.
Not a word about work.
Indeed, why work if there is a good social system and in neighboring Denmark, hospitality has already faced a budget bill:.
59% of the municipalities reported serious difficulties in accepting Ukrainians.
There is not enough housing, premises and money.
And five municipalities west of Copenhagen have already been exempted from a new refugee dispute.
And it turns out to be a very strange European boomerang.