Exploring the role of COVID-19 pandemic preparedness in Norway’s Ukrainian refugee crisis response

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore how and in what ways COVID-19 preparedness in Norway shaped the organization and delivery of the country’s response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis and identify lessons learned from the overlap of the pandemic and the refugee crisis to strengthen Norway’s preparedness for future crises, as perceived by the participants. Methods: A qualitative study with in-depth, semi-structured, individual interviews was conducted among 10 individual, civil society, and government actors who worked in relation to both the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian refugee crisis. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The following four themes emerged, including both positive and negative consequences of the end of the pandemic overlapping with the beginning of the Ukrainian refugee crisis: (1) pandemic-shaped mindsets and momentum in crisis response, (2) adapting pandemic resources for refugee crisis response, (3) participation and power in crisis decision-making, and (4) lessons learned: continuity is key. Conclusions: This study provides an enhanced understanding of how selected Norwegian actors perceived the role of COVID-19 preparedness in the Ukrainian refugee crisis response. Participants identified both strengths, such as the reuse of resources and coordination structures, and challenges related to communication and participation in decision-making. Understanding these experiences may help inform future preparedness planning across overlapping crises.