The Nordic countries—Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland—are collectively responding to the EU’s push for stricter migration policies by reinforcing regional cooperation on the return and readmission of migrants without legal residence. This collaboration was formalised through agreements made during a ministerial meeting in Copenhagen in late 2023, aiming to strengthen joint initiatives on immigration control and streamline deportations.
Denmark continues to lead the way with its highly restrictive and pioneering policies, including temporary protection statuses, external asylum procedures, and a focus on accepting only refugees under the UN quota system. Its hardline approach has influenced other Nordic states and gained traction among political majorities across the region. Sweden, grappling with challenges such as gang violence linked to a “failed integration” and “irresponsible immigration policy,” is explicitly looking to Denmark’s model to tighten its own migration and crime-fighting policies. Swedish officials have expressed a clear interest in adopting similar measures to improve control over irregular migration and enhance return processes.
Finland has also moved toward more restrictive policies since mid-2023, cutting refugee quotas and making citizenship harder to obtain. The newly formed Finnish government is committed to aligning migration policies with its Nordic peers, focusing particularly on strengthening returns, an area previously identified as a weak link in its system.
Norway has undergone a significant policy shift, especially due to the large influx of Ukrainian refugees. After initially adopting more liberal policies for Ukrainians, Norway reversed course in 2023 and 2024, tightening integration programs and restricting temporary protection rights to make the country less attractive for migrants. Iceland is similarly part of the Nordic cooperation framework focusing on jointly managing returns.
A key element of this cooperation involves joint diplomatic efforts and flight operations coordinated via the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) to expedite the return of migrants to countries of origin or third countries. Nordic ministers have also committed to assisting irregular migrants stranded in North Africa through voluntary returns and reintegration support, thereby addressing migration routes before they reach Europe.
In summary, Nordic countries are embracing the EU’s stricter migration agenda with a combined approach that emphasises increased cooperation on returns, legislative tightening, and models inspired by Denmark’s restrictive policies, marking a significant regional shift towards more controlled, selective, and temporary migration frameworks.