The law, which takes effect on January 1, establishes a comprehensive civil protection system that can transition to a civil defense framework during wartime, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
With its comprehensive scope, the new law marks significant steps being made in strengthening Poland’s preparedness for emergencies and ensuring the safety of its population under both peacetime and wartime conditions, according to officials.
The law ensures annual funding of no less than 0.3 percent of Poland’s gross domestic product to implement its provisions.
It is designed to address public demand for a secure and resilient civilian environment, focusing on both military and non-military threats.
Crucially, the law does not affect civil liberties, a point emphasized repeatedly by its authors.
The law outlines tasks for civil protection during peacetime and wartime, identifies the responsible authorities and organizations, and establishes rules for planning, threat detection, and emergency warning systems.
It also sets guidelines for using and managing collective protection facilities and defines the organization of civil defense efforts, including the recruitment of personnel.
The system will be built on the basis of existing structures to maximize efficiency.
Key elements include the national firefighting and rescue system, with a significant role for both the state fire service and volunteer fire brigades; emergency management structures; the emergency notification system; the state medical rescue service, healthcare institutions, and nongovernmental organizations.
The Ministry of the Interior and Administration will oversee the system's coordination at the national level, supported by the governmental civil protection team.
A major emphasis is placed on public education and awareness, including training programs for government offices and local authorities.
These initiatives aim to familiarize society with potential threats and appropriate responses.
In the event of martial law or war, the civil protection system will shift to a civil defense focus, aiming to safeguard civilians from the consequences of military actions.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP