Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk signed a decree imposing a third‑level emergency (CHARLIE) on railway lines operated by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe and PKP Linia Hutnicza Szerokotorowa, effective 19 November 2025 to 28 February 2026.
Decree and Coverage
Prime Minister Donald Tusk signed a decree activating a third‑level emergency (CHARLIE) on railway lines managed by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe and PKP Linia Hutnicza Szerokotorowa. It runs from midnight on 19 November 2025 until 23:59 on 28 February 2026.
What CHARLIE Means
CHARLIE sits among Poland’s top five alert levels. It is triggered by a serious, credible terrorist threat and demands full readiness of security services, tighter safety procedures, and extra protective measures for public administration and critical infrastructure. In the CHARLIE‑CRP variant, cyber‑space is also covered.
Antiterror Law Framework
The Antiterror Act introduces a four‑tier alert system – ALFA, BRAVO, CHARLIE, DELTA – plus analogous cyber‑risk levels (CRP). CHARLIE and its cyber counterpart occupy the highest rung below DELTA.
Authority and Scope
Under the Act, the Prime Minister may issue, amend or lift alert levels after consulting the Minister of Interior and the head of the Internal Security Agency. Decrees can apply nationwide, to specific voivodeships, municipalities, or particular critical sites, even abroad.
Operational Demands
At CHARLIE, all measures required at ALFA and BRAVO must be executed and monitored, even if those lower levels were not formally in force. The decree specifies tasks for public administration and services to perform at each alert level.
