Shares had earlier fallen amid a global sell-off, with weak results from blue chips such as AB InBev or WPP underlining investor concern about slowing earnings growth.

The euro zone STOXX rose 1 percent with France's CAC 40 gaining as much as 1.6 percent, lifted by a batch of positive corporate results.

The region's exporters also got a lift from a falling euro after European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi said Europe's monetary union remained fragile, doing little to assuage concerns about financial instability in Italy.

Gains also accelerated with Wall Street delivering a strong comeback after heavy losses on Wednesday and the tech-heavy Nasdaq having its worst day since 2011.

Earnings dominated the day with some heavy losses.

WPP shares sank and lost 13.8 percent after the advertising group cut its outlook, reporting a sharp downturn in trading. The stock hit its lowest level since December 2012 and was down 16 percent by 0840 GMT.

WPP dragged the media sector down 2 percent.

AB InBev shares tumbled 10.4 percent after the Belgian brewing giant halved its dividend due to volatility in emerging markets.

"In every region, both volumes and sales missed expectations. The bright spots were China, Mexico, Western Europe and many African markets while Brazil, Argentina and South Africa faced difficulty," wrote Liberum analysts.

Stocks that missed expectations were punished harshly.

Sweden's Epiroc fell 5.2 percent after the Swedish mining machinery maker reported third-quarter orders well below market expectations.

Autos rose 3.1 percent with Peugeot topping the CAC 40, up 7 percent.

Top of the STOXX was Kion, jumping 13 percent after the German logistics company reported strong order intake.

Finnish heavy machinery firm Konecranes also rose 12.8 percent after reporting stronger-than-expected earnings.

Dometic was among the biggest fallers, down 16.2 percent after the manufacturer of motorhome electrical parts reported profits in line with expectations.