Stock indices traded lower ahead of the European Central Bank's decision. Analysts expect that the ECB will keep its interest unchanged at 0.15%.

Tensions over Ukraine also weighed on stock markets. Russia banned a range of food imports from the United States and Europe.

Germany's industrial production climbed 0.3% in June, after a 1.7% decline in May, but missing expectations for a 1.4% rise. May's figure was revised up from a 1.8% fall.

Adidas AG shares declined 3.8% after the company lowered its profit forecast for 2014.

Beiersdorf AG dropped 5% after missing first-half revenue analyst's forecasts.

Commerzbank AG shares increased 2.6% after the bank reported that second-quarter profit more than doubled.

Nestle SA jumped 3.4% after the company announced plans to buy back up to eight billion Swiss francs of its shares.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,620.83 -15.33 -0.23%

DAX 9,117.92 -12.12 -0.13%

CAC 40 4,183.99 -23.15 -0.55%