European stock markets settled lower on Wednesday, with investors staying on the sidelines ahead of the Federal Reserve minutes due later in the day.

Europe's leading Blue-chip index, EURO STOXX 50 declined 8.41 points or 0.23 percent to end at 3,586.62. Germany's benchmark index DAX dropped 16.28 points or 0.13 percent to end at 12,642.87. French benchmark index CAC 40 fell 6.82 points or 0.13 percent to end at 5,341.34.

On the other hand, UK's benchmark index FTSE 100 gained to 29.61 points or 0.40 percent to close at 7,514.90.