Stock indices traded slightly higher. The Fed's comments on Wednesday still supported the stock markets. The Fed pointed out that interest rates will remain unchanged for a considerable time after the Fed's asset purchase program ends.

But concerns over escalating violence in Iraq weighed on stock markets.

Eurozone's current account surplus increased to 21.5 billion euros in April from 19.6 billion euros in March. March's figure was revised up from 18.8 billion dollar.

The U.K. public sector net borrowing increased to £11.48 billion in May, from £9.00 billion in April. April's figure was revised from £9.6 billion. Analysts had expected a rise to £11.8 billion.

German producer price index declined 0.2% in May, missing expectations for a 0.2% rise, after a 0.1% fall in April. On a yearly basis, German producer price index dropped 0.8% in May, after a 0.9% decline in April. Analysts had expected a 0.7% fall.

Shire Plc rose 13% after AbbVie Inc. said Shire rejected a bid of as much as 27.3 billion pounds.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,828.72 +20.61 +0.30%

DAX 10,017.43 +13.43 +0.13%

CAC 40 4,563.28 +0.24 +0.01%