Poland Records Biggest Rise in Global Peace Index Rankings
Poland saw the largest improvement of any country in the 2026 Global Peace Index, climbing in rankings thanks to reduced political violence, improved safety, and progress on rule of law restoration.
Poland achieved the most significant improvement of any nation in the 2026 Global Peace Index published on June 12 by the Institute for Economics and Peace, a major international think tank. The country's rise in the rankings reflects declining political tensions, reduced violence at demonstrations, and ongoing efforts to restore judicial independence.
Key Factors Behind the Improvement
The report attributes Poland's progress in part to the "subsiding" of large-scale political protests that characterized the final years of the Law and Justice (PiS) government, which ruled from 2015 to 2023. The current liberal coalition government under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in office since December 2023, has presided over a calmer political environment.
Poland also improved its score on the political terror scale, which measures levels of political violence and repression based on human rights organization reports. The Institute for Economics and Peace linked this to the current government's efforts to restore rule of law and reverse the politicization of judicial institutions that occurred under the previous administration.
Safety and Security Gains
The country saw improvements across the safety and security domain, with less violence at public demonstrations being a notable factor. The PiS era saw massive protests against judicial reforms and the introduction of a near-total abortion ban, some of which turned violent. The more stable political climate since the government change has contributed to Poland's improved standing.
For foreigners in Poland: This positive assessment reflects a generally stable security environment and suggests Poland continues to be a safe place to live and work. The improvements in rule of law and reduced political tensions create a more predictable environment for residents, including expats. While political debates continue, the trend toward less confrontational politics and stronger democratic institutions is a positive signal for anyone considering Poland as a long-term home.
