Over 75% of municipalities and 60% of counties in Poland are uncertain about their readiness to respond to crisis situations, and accordingly, 22.1% of municipal offices and 21% of counties directly acknowledge a lack of readiness – according to the report by the think tank of the Polish Red Cross entitled ‘Implementation of the provisions of the law on civil protection and civil defense in local government units in Poland.’

The report was created at a particular moment. The Polish local administration has gone through a series of humanitarian crises: from epidemic experiences to migration pressure to the consequences of the war in Ukraine. At the same time, this is the first extensive study analyzing the implementation of the Act of 5 December 2024 on civil protection and civil defense and the OLiOC Program for 2025–2026 at the municipal and county level.

See:

Summary version of the report

Full version of the report

The report shows that local governments are at the stage of gradually adapting to new regulations. There is a high declarative familiarity with the regulations and an awareness of the importance of civil protection; however, implementation is accompanied by significant organizational, financial, and staffing barriers.

Data shows that:

The most frequently cited problems are the lack of stable funding sources, personnel shortages, imprecise procedures, limited possibilities for developing protective infrastructure, and evacuation planning. There is also a lack of shelter places for residents:

The report by the think tank of the Polish Red Cross is more than just a summary of research - it is a real impulse to build a modern and resilient civil protection system in Poland - explains Marcin Kowalski, a member of the Board of the Polish Red Cross responsible for rescue and civil protection. He adds: -We see the readiness of local governments to take responsibility for the safety of their communities. However, to operate effectively, they need stable funding mechanisms, clear procedures, and strong partnerships with social organizations.

The report by the PCK think tank highlights the differences between individual municipalities and counties. Units with larger budgets and stronger administrative structures adapt to new regulations and implement innovative solutions more quickly. In smaller municipalities, the challenges are greater - there is a lack of both specialized personnel and experience in coordinating actions with NGOs or the military.

One of the most important conclusions from the research is the need for real strengthening of intersectoral cooperation. The report emphasizes that the potential of NGOs - including Volunteer Fire Brigades - is not fully utilized, despite declared readiness for partnership:

Both municipalities and counties are aware of the need for civil protection, but fully utilizingtheir potential requires strengthening cooperation with NGOs and ensuring better organizational frameworksand stable financial support. More effective educational activities, drills, joint projects, and full utilization of the potential within NGOs could significantly increase the level of safety for residents -emphasizes co-author of the study Dr. Ilona Dąbrowska, representing UMCS in Lublin.What should change to make it safer?

We will help prepare for a crisis

The Polish Red Cross is a statutory civil defense entity. PCK specialists, drawing on their experiences gained during crises and natural disasters, train local government staff and residents in civil protection and civil defense. The Polish Red Cross is authorized to conduct training in civil protection and civil defense based on a decision dated October 10, 2025, issued by the Fire Academy.

Raport został przygotowany przez think tank PCK – jednostkę analityczno-badawczą działającą przy Centrum Pomocy Humanitarnej PCK w Lublinie. Badanie przeprowadzono w listopadzie 2025 r. w ramach projektu „Zarządzanie kryzysowe w teorii i praktyce – rozwój działalności analityczno-badawczej PCK”, sfinansowanego ze środków Narodowego Instytutu Wolności – Centrum Rozwoju Społeczeństwa Obywatelskiego w ramach Rządowego Programu Rozwoju Organizacji Obywatelskich na lata 2018-2030.