Stock indices traded lower. U.S. President Barack Obama has authorised airstrikes against militants in Iraq.

Germany's trade surplus decreased to €16.2 billion in June from €18.8 billion in May. Analysts had expected the trade surplus to increase to €19.8 billion.

French industrial production climbed 1.3% in June, beating forecasts of a 1.1% rise, after a 1.6% fall in May. May's figure was revised up from a 2.3% decline.

Britain's trade deficit rose to £9.41 billion in June from £9.15 billion in May. May's figure was revised up from a deficit of £9.20 billion. Analysts had expected the deficit to decline to £8.90 billion in June.

Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA shares dropped 5.5% after reporting the weaker-than-expected net loss in the second quarter.

Nokian Renkaat Oyj shares dropped 5.9% after missing second-quarter earnings forecast. The company's sales in Russia plunged 31% in the first half of 2014.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,556.66 -40.71 -0.62%

DAX 8,966.63 -72.34 -0.80%

CAC 40 4,137.52 -12.31 -0.30%