In the Asian session, the German Benchmark Index traded below 18,800 levels.
European markets are poised for a slightly higher open on Thursday as traders digest the minutes from the last U.S. Federal Reserve meeting, which revealed concerns about persistent inflation and a cautious stance on potential interest rate cuts.
U.K. markets will be under close scrutiny following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's announcement of a general election on July 4, ending months of speculation. Current polls suggest the ruling Conservative Party may lose to the opposition center-left Labour Party.
Traders will also be monitoring the latest preliminary data from the eurozone, which will provide insights into business activity in the services and manufacturing sectors for May.
According to preliminary data, the U.K.'s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 1 point higher, Germany’s DAX up 4 points, France’s CAC 14 points higher, and Italy’s FTSE MIB up 30 points.