Poland was faced with unprecedented changes in everyday life. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in consequence to the expanding terrorist threats and the escalation of hybrid actions by hostile states, undertook urgent decision au second alert throughout the country. This is not just a informing – it is simply a fundamental change that will affect all Pole, from urban communication to the functioning of schools and universities. Prepare for a fresh reality that will apply at least until the end of August 2025.
This decision, based on the 2016 anti-terrorism act, means that Poland is entering a period of increased vigilance. The alert level concerns not only administrative borders, but besides Polish energy infrastructure and strategical facilities outside the country, which underlines the global dimension of threats. What precisely does that mean for you and your family?
Armed Patrols on Streets: fresh Normality in Polish Cities
The most visible change for Polish residents is the drastic transformation of street image. From now on, in public space we will see much more patrol officers uniformed services. Police officers, soldiers of the Military Police and Border defender officers were authorized to carry long arms and bulletproof vests. Equipment reserved so far for the most serious crisis situations becomes part of everyday life. The aim is not only to deter possible bombers, but above all to guarantee a fast and decisive consequence in the event of a threat.
Security services besides gained extended allowances. Be prepared for more frequent personal, luggage and vehicles, especially in places with advanced traffic. Railway and bus stations, airports, buying malls, sports stadiums and public facilities identified as possible targets for attacks will become places of increased control. Could mean extended travel time and the request to show additional patience. Remember that these measures are designed to defend you, even if they affect any inconvenience.
Schools and Cyberspace under peculiar Surveillance: Changes You'll Feel
The restrictions introduced besides affect the hearts of Polish society – the education system. From kindergartens to universities, all educational institutions had to implement absolute ban for persons bystanders. This means that even parents and legal guardians may find it hard to access school buildings. Directors and administrators of universities are required to introduce additional safety procedures, specified as identity checks at the entrance, a simplification in number of entrances and the designation of peculiar safety zones. It's a extremist change to defend the youngest and the student from possible threats.
In parallel, Poland has entered a state of increased readiness in cyberspace. All IT systems operating critical state infrastructure and public services are now under 24-hour monitoring. State administrations and operators of strategical information systems are required to continuously check data integrity and keep the permanent readiness of cybersecurity teams. It's a direct consequence to a dramatic increase in numbers. cyber attacks – In fresh months, attempts to hack government computer systems and attacks on websites of public institutions, mainly from the territory of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, have been intensified.
Growing Hybrid Threat: Why is Poland raising an alarm?
The Chancellery of the Prime Minister clearly indicates the reasons for specified stringent measures. These are actions of a nature hybrid attacks, led systematically by Russia and Belarus against Poland and another EU countries. These activities are a wide scope of threats: from disinformation and propaganda distributed on social media, by the cyber attacks mentioned earlier on critical infrastructure, to physical provocations at borders and attempts to infiltrate agents into key sectors of the economy.
The alert level introduced is clearly Preventive. This means that safety services have identified an increased and foreseeable hazard of a terrorist incident. Although the circumstantial intent of the possible attack and its deadline have not yet been precisely set, this uncertainty requires all participants in the national safety strategy to be peculiarly vigilant. The dynamically changing geopolitical situation, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the expanding aggressiveness of hybrid actions, forces Poland to mobilise and determination in the face of multidimensional threats.
Your work in Threat Time: How to admit and Respond?
The effectiveness of the measures taken depends not only on the professionalism of the services but equally on the alertness and active cooperation of citizens. We are now the eyes and ears of the national safety system. We have received detailed instructions on how to identify situations that may indicate the preparation of terrorist attacks. Pay attention to people who behave unusually or nervously in places with advanced traffic – stations, airports, buying centres. Suspects may be those observing safety infrastructure or taking photographs of strategical objects.
Special care should be taken with respect to abandoned without baggage care, bags, backpacks or packages in public transport, public utility buildings or close the places of assembly. They may contain dangerous substances. Be delicate to vehicles, especially trucks or transportation vehicles, parked in different places close schools, hospitals, offices or events. Drivers who behave nervously or seem to admit the area may besides be a informing signal. If any suspicious situation is observed, notify the service immediately at the emergency number 112 or straight to the police at number 997. Give the exact location and detailed description without compromising your own safety.
Life under the government of increased safety means that Poles request to get utilized to the fresh reality. Frequent paper and baggage checks, the presence of heavy armed patrols and restrictions on access to certain public facilities will become an component of everyday life for the coming months. The authorities shall guarantee that all measures are proportionate to the scale of the risks and will be abolished as the situation improves. Until then, let us prepare to operate in a country where national safety and protection against terrorism are an absolute priority.
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The government has made a decision. Poland in increased readiness by the end of August 2025!
