London's benchmark FTSE 100 index of top blue-chip companies rose 0.1 percent to 7,597.88 points compared with the closing level on Tuesday.

In the eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX 30 added 0.8 percent to 13,223.97 points and the Paris CAC 40 climbed 0.2 percent to 5,483.51 points.

Asian stocks struggled Wednesday as traders tracked sharp Wall Street losses despite a major speech by US President Donald Trump extolling his administration's economic achievements.