Frankfurt DAX: 3972.84 (+30.31)

The German stock market broke through the 4000 level for the Dax for the first time ever in after-hours trading. Shares advanced to more records as uncertainty faded and traders attacked the key 4,000 point level on the 30- share Dax index.it," Ms Susanne Schneemayer at Hypo-Research said.

Paris CAC-40: 2947.66 (+13.18)

The Paris bourse erased early losses, prompted by the lower dollar and technical reasons, to show a gain of around a third of a percentage point by mid-afternoon. Volume was boosted by corporate events, notably the 5 per cent rise by Eurotunnel on hopes that a debt deal may be approved.

Milan Mibtel: 13804 (+196)

Italian shares soared on EMU euphoria and the Mibtel moved to an all- time high. Trading took off on news that EU finance ministers had said that Italy was on track to qualify for EMU.