European stock markets settled lower on Wednesday as traders paused for breath after a strong "risk-on" rally since Donald Trump's election win and oil prices rebounded after comments from Russia's energy minister.
Europe's leading Blue-chip index, EURO STOXX 50 fell 23.36 points or 0.77 percent to settle at 3,026.36. UK's benchmark index FTSE 100 fell 43.02 points or 0.63 percent to close at 6,749.72.
Meanwhile, Germany's benchmark index DAX declined 71.27 points or 0.66 percent to end at 10,663.87. French benchmark index CAC 40 fell 35.39 points or 0.78 percent to end at 4,501.14.