Abstract
Nordic countries made a significant historical contribution to the welfare state’s idea formation in European countries and all over the world. These countries put the public interest above private ones and formed a unique model of benefits distribution aimed to honor the principles of social justice. Historically Nordic welfare state model formed its characteristic features in the middle of the 20th century. But under the influence of external and internal crises, welfare state model shows its ability to change. During 1990s Nordic welfare state faced a period of strength test. This period was characterized by a large-scale economic crisis that affected all sectors of economic and social life in the Nordic countries. This article touches upon the issue of Nordic welfare state’s transformation during that historical period.