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

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

This is not another dead document — it’s 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 an RCB alert appears on their phones.

What changes?

Until now, civil protection and defense responsibilities were fragmented and scattered across various acts. The new law unites all those elements — from planning and financing to shelter infrastructure and public education — into one integrated system.

The government is now committed to allocating at least 0.3% of GDP annually to civil protection and defense. This is a major shift — safety will no longer rely on discretionary budgets, but become a strategic pillar of national defense.

A Civil Protection and Defense Program will also be introduced to define standards for response, education, and protective infrastructure across all levels of government.

Shelters, sirens, and real preparedness

One of the most discussed elements of the new act is the network of collective protection facilities — shelters, bunkers, and safe spaces designed to 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 alerting system, ensuring faster and more coordinated communication between municipalities, counties, and regions when a threat arises.

But physical infrastructure is only part of the equation. Equally important is education and training, because even the best shelter is useless if no one knows how to reach it.

That’s why the law introduces mandatory training and exercises in emergency response — and that’s where innovation comes in.

Who can conduct training?

Training will no longer be a formality. The Ministry of Interior will define standards and requirements for organizations providing 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 into play.

For years, we’ve been developing immersive VR training simulations that allow participants to experience crisis situations in a completely safe yet realistic way.

Our new “Civil Protection and Defense” VR module guides users through real-life emergency scenarios — how to react to alarms, prepare for evacuation, handle chemical contamination, and provide 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 windows, secure the apartment, grab an evacuation bag, and assist neighbors.

This is not dry theory — it’s an emotional, interactive experience that teaches practical reflexes through engagement.

Why is this a breakthrough?

The new law is more than just legislation — it’s a shift in mindset. From reaction to prevention. From plans on paper to real, practiced readiness.

In today’s uncertain world, having a plan is not enough — people must know how to execute it. That requires training, repetition, and education.

If implemented properly, this act could enable Poland to build a truly effective civil protection system within a few years — one that saves lives not only in documents, but in reality.

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

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

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