Åsne Danielsen, Vilde Hernes
This article explores how and why the traditional classifications of Scandinavian asylum and integration policy have seemingly shifted following the influx of displaced persons from Ukraine from February 2022 to January 2025. Building on policy analysis and stakeholder interviews, we map and compare policy development in Norway, Denmark and Sweden along two analytical dimensions: (1) liberal or restrictive and (2) selective or universal. The analysis shows how Sweden's historical ‘liberal exceptionalism’ has shifted to some of Europe's most restrictive and selective policies for displaced persons from Ukraine. Denmark, with its traditionally restrictive policies, aligned its approach for Ukrainians with its existing focus on self-sufficiency and repatriation. Norway, typically the middle ground between its two more ‘extreme’ neighbours, initially welcomed Ukrainians with a ‘selective and liberal’ approach but reversed to more universal and restrictive policies after receiving a relatively higher share of arrivals than other Nordic countries in autumn 2023. The analysis illustrates how different drivers and dynamics have led to divergent policy approaches towards displaced persons from Ukraine in Scandinavia, challenging the narrative of a unified European response beyond the collective, temporary protection permits.