The New Civil Protection and Civil Defense Act: The Beginning of a New Era of Safety

On 5 December 2024, the Polish Parliament passed a law that may completely change how the country prepares for both natural and man-made threats. The Civil Protection and Civil Defense Act, in force since 1 January 2025, is the most significant reform of Poland’s civil safety system in decades.

This is not another document that will gather dust. It is an attempt to build a coherent, modern system in which everyone, from local authorities to ordinary citizens, knows what to do when the sirens sound and a Government Security Centre (RCB) alert appears on their phone.

What changes?

Until now, civil protection and civil defense responsibilities were scattered across various acts. The new law brings them all together, from planning and financing to shelter infrastructure and public education, in one integrated system.

The government is now committed to spending at least 0.3% of GDP every year on civil protection and civil defense. This is a major shift: safety will no longer depend on discretionary budgets but becomes a strategic pillar of national defense.

A Civil Protection and Civil Defense Program will also define standards for response, education and protective infrastructure at every level of government.

Shelters, sirens and real preparedness

One of the most discussed parts of the new act is the network of collective protection facilities: shelters, bunkers and safe spaces that protect the public in case of danger.

For the first time, the law clearly defines how such facilities must be built, registered and maintained. Their owners and managers are now legally responsible for keeping them operational.

The act also improves the warning and alert system, for faster and better coordinated communication between municipalities, counties and regions when a threat arises.

But physical infrastructure is only part of the picture. Education and training matter just as much, because even the best shelter is useless if no one knows how to get there.

That is why the law introduces mandatory training and exercises in emergency response, and this is where new training methods come in.

Who can run the training?

Training will no longer be a formality. The Ministry of the Interior will set standards and requirements for organizations that provide civil protection education. Only institutions with the right expertise, facilities and technologies will be authorized to train.

This opens new opportunities for the education and safety sector, from schools and universities to specialized technology companies.

Virtual reality in civil defense training

This is where EHS VR comes in.

For years, we have been developing immersive VR training simulations that let participants experience crisis situations in a completely safe yet realistic way.

Our new civil protection and civil defense VR training takes users through real-life emergency scenarios: how to react to alarms, prepare for evacuation, deal with chemical contamination and give first aid.

In one simulation, the participant is at home when a broadcast is interrupted:

“Attention! Attention! An air-raid alarm has been declared!”

From that moment, the user must act: turn off the gas, close the windows, secure the apartment, grab an emergency bag and help the neighbors. See the Air-Raid Alarm: Home Evacuation application and all our civil protection and civil defense training.

This is not dry theory: it is an emotional, interactive experience that builds practical reflexes through engagement.

Why is this a breakthrough?

The new law is more than legislation: it is a change in mindset. From reaction to prevention. From plans on paper to real, practiced readiness.

In an uncertain world, having a plan is not enough: people must know how to carry it out. That requires training, repetition and education.

If it is implemented well, the act could allow Poland to build a truly effective civil protection system within a few years, one that saves lives not only on paper but in reality.

At EHS VR, we believe technology can be one of the pillars of this change.

Our goal is to make civil protection training not only an obligation but also an inspiring experience that teaches through emotion, engagement and action.

The new law lays the foundation.
We provide the tools.
Together, we can make safety part of everyday life, not only when danger strikes but long before.