Hospitals in France have been told to begin preparing for a potential armed conflict on the continent by March 2026. Amid rising tensions between NATO nations, Ukraine, and Russia, fears of military escalation are growing. These fears have mobilized EU nations to prepare for war as a precautionary measure. Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, has warned that nations may need to strengthen their military powers – “to start arming ourselves to the teeth or learn Russian.”
Tensions between NATO nations and Russia have begun to escalate due to Russia’s recent violation of Poland’s airspace. On Wednesday, Poland, a member of NATO since 1999, shot down Russian drones. EU nations fear Russia’s next step in aggression as Russian drones violate NATO airspace. The German government has started preparing schoolchildren for the possibility of war. At the same time, the EU urges citizens to stockpile supplies and create “72-hour survival kits” in the event of a war scenario.
France Orders Hospitals to Prepare for War
A letter disclosed by Le Canard Enchaîné showed that France’s Health Ministry instructed regional agencies to ready hospitals for a “major military engagement” by March 2026. Reports warned that hospitals should prepare for 10,000 to 50,000 men over a 10 to 180-day period. This plan envisions France serving as a support hub, capable of receiving large numbers of wounded soldiers from across Europe. The public initially met the news with scepticism, since Le Canard Enchaîné produces satirical works. However, Health Minister Catherine Vautrin later confirmed this letter and its details as real.
Minister Catherine Vautrin Confirms Measures
She told French broadcaster BFMTV in an interview, “It’s part of preparation, like strategic stockpiles, like epidemics.” She further highlighted the failings of France’s COVID-19 pandemic response, emphasizing the urgent need to be prepared. By confirming the order, the French government reinforced the seriousness of the measures. Hospitals must now begin implementing readiness phases to meet their March 2026 deadline.
French Health Ministry’s Directive
France recently instructed its hospitals to prepare for potential conflict. This domestic order follows the government’s earlier announcement of a nationwide “survival manual.” The 20-page manual is set to be distributed to every household. The manual reportedly contains instructions for citizens in the event of natural disasters, armed conflict and health emergencies. Each household is advised to have a ‘survival kit’ for times of crisis.
The manual lists essential items that should be part of a household’s ‘survival kit’. Kits should include at least 10 cans of food, 6 liters of bottled water, batteries, a torch and medical supplies. Experts recommend medical supplies such as paracetamol, saline, and compresses. However, the government at the time emphasised its focus on precaution rather than armed conflict.
Disaster Planning, Not Imminent War
Despite the alarm, Minister Vautrin reassured citizens that France is not preempting war in the immediate future. She stressed that governments must anticipate worst-case scenarios through disaster planning. She compared the measure to strategic stockpiling initiatives. In a public television interview, she argued that such steps prepare France better than during the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic left the country unprepared, and she pointed to that failure as justification. Citizens were urged to see the move as caution, not certainty.
Rutte Slams Russia’s “Reckless” Drones
Russia’s recent infringement of Polish airspace gained the outrage of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, calling it “absolutely reckless”. In a press briefing, Rutte directly called for Russia to cease the war against Ukraine and expressed his confidence in NATO. He also expressed admiration for NATO’s response to Russia’s drones and for defending NATO’s airspace.
Rising Threats and War Rhetoric Across Europe
The order from French authorities comes after warnings issued by the head of Germany’s armed forces, Carsten Breuer. Breuer revealed German and NATO soldiers were on high alert as Russian military drills commenced. Russia and Belarus were set to carry out joint strategic military exercises between September 12 and 16 on Belarusian soil. This is part of their joint “Zapad 2025” strategy.
Russia and Belarus Joint Military Drills
The location carries concern because Belarus borders three NATO countries: Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. According to Breuer, “We don’t have any indication that preparations for an attack are taken under the cover of the exercise.” These exercises are officially described as defensive. However, NATO fears they may conceal broader military preparation. Breuer assured NATO that Germany will remain vigilant during the Zapad drills.
Accelerating France’s Defense Budget
In July, President Emmanuel Macron pledged to accelerate France’s defense spending. He promised to double the military budget by 2027. The budget stood at 32 billion euros in 2017. It will reach 64 billion euros by 2027 under the plan. Macron also announced targeted boosts in the final years. He added 3.5 billion euros in 2026. He committed another 3 billion euros in 2027. Officials said the acceleration responds to rising security risks. They also emphasized funding through economic activity and production. The plan aims to strengthen readiness without adding new debt.
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