Stock indices closed higher on comments by the European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi. The ECB President Mario Draghi said at a press conference on Wednesday that there are signs that quantitative easing by the central bank has been effective.

He pointed out the need to complete the full asset-buying programme. The ECB president added that there is no evidence for asset bubbles.

Earlier today, the ECB released its interest decision. The central bank kept its interest rate unchanged at 0.05%.

Eurozone's unadjusted trade surplus jumped to €20.3 billion in February from €7.6 billion in January. January's figure was revised down from a surplus of €7.9 billion.

Exports climbed by 4% due to a weaker euro, while imports were flat.

Concerns over Greece's debt problems continue to weigh on markets. The Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis is to meet U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington on Thursday.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 7,096.78 +21.52 +0.30 %

DAX 12,231.34 +3.74 +0.03 %

CAC 40 5,254.35 +36.29 +0.70 %