Poland entered a fresh phase in the field of national security, introducing the second BRAVO emergency phase in its territory. This decision, taken by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, is simply a consequence to the expanding hybrid efforts carried out by the Russian Federation and Belarus towards Poland and the full European Union. This means a fundamental change in the functioning of the state and the regular lives of citizens who must get utilized to permanent readiness and enhanced safety procedures.
Militaryisation of public space and increased controls
The transformation of public space in Polish cities began almost immediately after the announcement of an increase in the alarm level. In the centres of the largest agglomerations you can meet police officers, Border Guards and Military Police in full armament, equipped with bulletproof vests and long weapons. It responds to the request to respond rapidly to possible terrorist or sabotage threats.
The number of safety controls has increased in places with advanced population concentration, specified as train stations, buying malls, airports or stadiums. Officers execute systematic searches, control vehicles and identify persons, creating multi-layered protection against possible acts of violence.
New procedures in the education system
The educational strategy in Poland has undergone a real safety revolution. There is simply a complete ban on the admission of outsiders to institutions – from kindergartens to universities. Even parents have hard access, as a consequence of their efforts to defend children and young people. The services stress that specified locations are possibly an attractive mark for terrorists due to their symbolic and intellectual significance.
The administration of schools and another public institutions must introduce round-the-clock on-calls, organise training and update evacuation plans and crisis protocols, which is akin to the martial law.
Strengthening cyberspace protection – degree of BRAVO-CRP
In addition to activities in real physical space, Polish services besides activated the increased alert level BRAVO-CRP, dedicated to cyberspace protection. The attacks by Russian and Belarusian peculiar services on state IT systems are complex and strategic.
Networks of key energy, transport, financial and communication infrastructure are monitored. The mark of possible attacks are power-blackouts, paralysis of transport systems, disruptions in banking and communications that may paralyze the functioning of the country. In this respect, thousands of IT professionals work at full speed, carrying out 24/7 strategy supervision.
Geopolitical conditions and escalation of tensions
The decision to rise the alert level of BRAVO is due to unprecedented escalation of tensions between Poland and its east neighbours. The Russian Federation and Belarus conduct a policy of destabilisation, which includes not only military actions in Ukraine, but besides a wide scope of hybrid activities – from cyber attacks, disinformation operations, to attempts to infiltrate and sabotage in Poland.
The raising of the alarm means that Poland adopts a defensive attitude characteristic of a country in constant danger, which requires the maximum mobilisation of all available resources.
The function of society in the fresh safety system
In the fresh reality of national security, an active attitude of citizens is essential. The government emphasizes that professional services cannot act effectively without the vigilance and cooperation of residents. Citizens have been active in regular monitoring of the environment for possible threats.
Among the alarm signals are different behaviour in public places, left unattended luggage or suspicious vehicles parked at strategical points. peculiar attention should be paid to persons conducting unexpected interviews or documenting public facilities.
Citizens are instructed to contact the services immediately if suspected, utilizing emergency numbers 112 and 997. Reports must be precise and contain accurate information on the location and nature of the suspected phenomena. At the same time, it is prohibited to take independent action against suspicious objects or persons.
Psychological and economical challenges
Living in an elevated safety environment is simply a major challenge for a society that has lived in comparative peace for a long time. Authorities are conducting educational campaigns to combat panic and keep the average rhythm of social and economical life.
The economical effects of an increase in the alert level may be noticeable, especially in the tourism, trade and public services sectors. Increased checks at airports, stations and borders may slow down passenger and freight traffic, and increased safety costs will be borne by the state budget and private operators.
The introduction of the BRAVO alert phase is simply a reaction of Poland to the fresh complex threats resulting from Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the escalation of the hybrid activities of the Russian Federation and Belarus. This decision marks a fresh quality of security, in which the boundary between the state of peace and war fades.
Polish society and institutions must operate in conditions of permanent readiness, implementing advanced standards of both physical and cyber protection. Citizens' cooperation with the services remains crucial and calm and responsible.
Read more:
Second BRAVO emergency phase in Poland: what does it mean for citizens and institutions?
