Polish Railways will test innovative security technologies with EU Support

The Polish State Railways (PKP Group), responsible for Poland's railway network, is set to test modern mobile detectors (IONSCAN 600) designed to detect explosives and hazardous chemicals This six-month pilot program is the first of its kind in Poland. It aims to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure by helping to develop EU voluntary technology standards to secure rail against terrorism and sabotage of these critical systems. This is an EU-funded project and is part of broader efforts to enhance security across Europe.

The IONSCAN 600 detectors, provided by the Commission to Poland, will be tested as part of the EU’s Counter-Terrorism Plan, and its initiative to harmonise and strengthen security measure for public spaces and critical infrastructures. Such detection equipment is already in use at all EU airports for passenger, baggage, and cargo security; however, it is not widely adopted outside of aviation. These tests will provide valuable results and insights to further improve security at railway stations, not only in Poland but also in other EU countries to develop common EU voluntary requirements for such equipment.

On 29 and 30 October, a successful workshop was held to kick off the EU detection trial. The workshop allowed for practical demonstrations of the detection equipment's ability to identify explosives and firearms. These trials are designed to refine the methodology and promote the use of detection equipment to identify explosive threats including individuals who have been in contact with or carrying explosives or firearms during border checks. The detection trial will support the police, Border guard and rail security staff with their key security tasks, including the examination of unattended objects at train stations, conducting high-risk searches, and supporting other security operations.

Poland is now the fifth EU country to engage in such EU detection trial initiatives, following similar tests in Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Romania and Slovakia which included chemical and radiological detection equipment. However, Poland will be only the second country to use the explosive trace detection following a similar trial carried out with Belgian Federal Police in 2019.

The pilot program is part of the European Commission’s Department for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) activities to develop the basis for EU voluntary detection requirements for security technologies in areas outside aviation sector where mandatory rules for such equipment exist.

The aviation standards are not always fully applicable in areas outside aviation. To address this, the EU is mapping the technical practices and equipment requirement. Recognising that detection trials can be challenging and costly, the Commission provides technical and financial support to develop and deploy advanced security technologies for public spaces and critical infrastructures, and assist Member States with their security missions.