"France is preparing the evacuation of its citizens and (other) European citizens who want to leave the country," the French foreign ministry said in a statement, noting it will begin immediately. At least three other European countries have followed suit.

"Considering the ongoing coup in Niger and the fact that the situation continues to be worrying, we decided to make sure that the French citizens who want to leave Niger can do so," French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna told a national broadcaster.

Germany's foreign ministry too noted that France has "offered, within the limits of available capacity, to take German nationals on board their flights from Niger". The government is imploring for Germans to take that offer.

Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani has also announced a "special flight to Italy" to evacuate its nationals. Spain too is reportedly making emergency plans. 

There are believed to be at least multiple hundreds still in Niger from these EU countries, likely with the most being French. A number of French companies, importantly French nuclear fuels company Orano, have plants in Niger.