Poland: the briefing ahead of Monday 19 October

Civil protection, fake tax emails and a summit on the digital future: three topics to follow at the start of the week, based on information confirmed as of Sunday 18 October.

Original AI-generated illustration: an imagined family preparedness workshop. These are neither the participants nor the actual locations of the 17 October exercises.

Civil protection: family exercises organised at nearly 2,000 locations

Update issued on 17 October; local activities documented during the weekend. On Saturday 17 October, the interior ministry announced a Krajowy Trening Rodzinny, or national family training exercise, at nearly 2,000 locations across the country. Part of the Academy of Civil Protection and Civil Defence, the day involved teachers, firefighters, police officers, paramedics and scouts among others. Its stated aim was to help parents and children prepare for crises at home and at school.

Local reports confirm that activities took place: in Krasnystaw district, police describe sessions organised on 16 and 17 October in eight schools. Topics included recognising threats and alarm signals. However, the number of locations announced nationwide must not be confused with a count of people who actually attended.

Original AI-generated illustration: a symbolic scene of caution over an email. No fraudulent message, official website or real account is reproduced.

Fake tax messages: a warning before resuming administrative tasks

The finance ministry published its warning on 16 October. The finance ministry warns about emails impersonating it or the KAS tax administration. The messages refer to checking or correcting JPK_VAT files, used for VAT reporting, and encourage recipients to open an attachment or follow a link. Fraudsters seek confidential information: personal details, bank account information or email credentials.

The precise point recalled by the ministry is useful for businesses and residents concerned: JPK_VAT notifications sent by KAS contain no clickable links and do not ask recipients to log in to a system. When in doubt, use the administration’s official contact details rather than the message’s link. The statement also refers readers to CERT Polska’s reporting platform. This specific rule should not be generalised to every type of administrative correspondence.

Original AI-generated illustration: an imagined conference room. It depicts neither IGF Polska speakers nor the event’s actual installations.

Monday’s agenda: Bydgoszcz awaits the IGF Polska digital summit

Meeting announced for 19–20 October; no conclusions anticipated. The digital affairs ministry, the Institute of Telecommunications and NASK announce IGF Polska 2026 on 19 and 20 October in Bydgoszcz. Planned discussions concern online safety, artificial intelligence and European digital sovereignty. The first day is notably due to address internet risks, the role of major platforms and Europe’s digital infrastructure.

The event is announced at the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music, ul. prof. Jerzego Godziszewskiego 1. Participant reception is scheduled from 11 a.m. on Monday, with registration through the official website. As of this article’s preparation on Sunday 18 October, the event is still in the future: neither its actual opening nor any announcements or decisions are presented here as accomplished. Check the programme and participation conditions with the organisers.