Frankfurt DAX: 2797.03 (-13.61)

Frankfurt was the worst performer of the day. The bourse fell from its record close on Tuesday. Car maker Volkswagen tumbled almost 6 per cent after a US judge denied VW's motion to dismiss racketeering claims by rival Opel.

Paris CAC-40: 2270.77(-4.31)

French stocks were hit by the truckers strike, although the franc recovered slightly on signs of progress in the dispute. Stocks slipped on profit taking after recent peaks and with investors worried about the protest.

There was some recovery but shares then fell back on a weak start on Wall Street.

Milan Mibtel: 10294 (-130)

Italian stocks slipped in early trading without any particular interest or volume to pull them up. Dealers said the market is having a rest.