European stock markets settled higher on Thursday as investors came to terms with the official launch of Brexit proceedings and digested reports regarding the European Central Bank (ECB).

Europe's leading Blue-chip index, EURO STOXX 50 went up 6.31 points or 0.18 percent to settle at 3,481.58. Germany's benchmark index DAX went up 53.43 points or 0.44 percent to end at 12,256.43. French benchmark index CAC 40 gained 20.60 points or 0.41 percent to end at 5,089.64.

On the other hand, UK's benchmark index FTSE 100 declined 4.20 points or 0.06 percent to close at 7,369.52.