In initial deals, London's benchmark FTSE 100 index of major British blue-chip companies climbed 0.2 percent to 6,746.69 points.

In the eurozone, the Paris CAC 40 gained 0.6 percent to 4,708.74 points, compared with Friday's closing level.

London and Paris face half-day New Year's Eve trading, and will close at 1230 GMT and 1305 GMT respectively.

Frankfurt meanwhile remains closed for business after the DAX 30 index gained 1.7 percent on Friday to finish at 10,558.96 points.

However, the DAX index dived 18.3 percent in value over the course of 2018, in a tumultuous and volatile year for stock markets worldwide.