Urban security in Poland has changed in recent years. This is due to the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Ukraine, but also to other events in recent years. This is not the only reason why experts have identified the best prepared areas for different types of crisis situations.

The document shows that the differences in security between regions are considerable. It shows which cities are best prepared for a potential armed conflict. It turns out that it certainly does not just matter where in Poland these cities are located. The economic development of places and the quality of public services also play a role.

Wars, epidemics or humanitarian disasters

The whole research did not revolve only around the threat of war. Instead, it dealt with four main categories. These were preparedness for natural disasters such as floods, droughts or heat waves, or for epidemics and health crises or humanitarian disasters. The last category was military threats.

The capital faces a threat

According to the results, Warsaw faces the most intense military threat. The city’s preparedness level was set at 51 out of 60. The port city of Gdansk also faces a similar threat, but its preparedness score was only 45. The city of Elblag is even less prepared. Although the threat of conflict is much lower, the readiness level was set at 32.

“It is clear that the capital will face the greatest military risk. It is followed by cities with key infrastructure and settlements near the eastern border. For this reason, the high-risk group includes the port city of Gdańsk, the industrial city of Elblag, the border town of Bialystok, and Gdynia and Plock, where the refineries are located,” said Mateusz Walewski, director of the bank’s research and analysis department.

So does this mean that people in Warsaw should be worried? Does it mean that as a tourist I should rather choose another destination for my sightseeing trip? No. So I will go and see Warsaw without any qualms. And I certainly won’t feel less safe than in Prague or Bratislava. After all, these capitals certainly face a very similar threat to Warsaw. However, that is no reason for me not to visit the cities unless there is a recommendation not to travel there.

━━ ( Source: Kevin Schmid /  Unsplash+ )

Where it’s safe

Local governments with the highest resilience to crises have well-developed crisis infrastructure, high-quality public services and regional and national support.

Which cities are they?

  • Krakow,
  • Poznan,
  • Wrocław,
  • Katowice,
  • Rzeszów.

These cities offer the best developed infrastructure of shelters, hospitals, energy and transport systems for their inhabitants. It is these factors that are crucial with regard to the safety of the population in the event of war.

Is Poland safe for tourists?

Is Poland also safe for tourists? Or is it better to avoid the country? If we consider the above, of course, safety is the same for locals and tourists. However, from the tourists’ point of view, we also need to address safety in terms of theft and assault. Poland has become a safe place for locals and tourists. So if, like me, your grandmother tells you stories about how decades ago gangs rampaged through the streets of Poland picking pockets and stealing wallets, don’t worry. It really did happen, but decades ago. Poland has changed a lot since then.