European stock markets were below the flatline at the open on Thursday as traders prepared for August manufacturing activity numbers for Germany, the Eurozone and the United Kingdom, all of which are due to be released in the early part of today's trading session. The ongoing energy crisis and the conflict in eastern Europe remain key topics for investors on the continent.

The DAX contracted by 0.93% at 9:03 am CET as Zalando fell by 2.51% and led the losses at the same time. London's FTSE 100 was 0.59% down at 9:02 am CET. Admiral Group dropped 5.33% concurrently. The CAC 40 declined 1.09% at 9:01 am CET with its worst performer Alstom losing 2.24%.

The euro was 0.37% lower compared to the dollar, selling at 1.00172 at 9:02 am CET. The British pound decreased by 0.29% against the greenback, going for 1.15892 at the same time.