London's benchmark FTSE 100 index opened down 0.2 percent to 7,772.30 points, having closed at a record high on Thursday.

In the eurozone, the Paris CAC 40 slipped 0.2 percent to 5,610.14 points, having ended Thursday's session at the highest level since December 2007.

Frankfurt's DAX 30 opened flat at 13,115.63, having achieved its highest close since February the previous session.

European stock markets were supported Thursday by weakness of the pound and euro, which boosted share prices of exporters, while strong oil prices lifted the market values of heavyweight energy companies.