European stock markets closed lower on Wednesday following a flat trading session that gave no clear lead to either higher-risk or defensive stocks.

Europe's leading Blue-chip index, EURO STOXX 50 fell 8.66 points or 0.26 percent to settle at 3,270.75. UK's benchmark index FTSE 100 declined 2.54 points or 0.04 percent to close at 7,041.42.

Meanwhile, Germany's benchmark index DAX gained 3.90 points or 0.03 percent to end at 11,468.64. French benchmark index CAC 40 declined 16.07 points or 0.33 percent to end at 4,833.82.