Abstract.      A group of socially and economically prosperous North-European countries (Iceland is to be considered separately) has successfully got over the crucial phase of the 2008–2010 crisis. However, it is untimely to speak about its total overcoming. The system consequences of the crisis strike the next blow to the “Scandinavian/Swedish” model, aggravated the search for ways of sustainable development. The prospects to upgrade the northern economies and societies are not associated here with the change of actual viable models of participation in European and global division of labor. The current challenges are linked with such problems as the further accumulation of riches, increase of consumption, aging of population, growth of immigration etc. The bipolar political party system is being diluted, the struggle is aggravating between traditional parties and radical right-wing, populist parties of the “new type”, which expand their mission.