Frankfurt DAX: 3602.19 (+22.77)

German shares ended bourse trade higher and near the session's high as the DAX index pushed through the key 3,600 point level. Initial German state CPI for May prompted little concern about inflation danger, with the dollar above DM1.69 helping to underpin the DAX.

Paris CAC-40: 2762.90 (+21.25)

French stocks firmed on the last trading day before the first round of the legislative elections, as investors bet on the conservatives winning. Most traders expect the bourse to rise to new highs if the centre-right wins or to slide as much as 10 per cent if the Socialists and their allies get control.

Milan Mibtel: 12431 (+21)

Italian shares closed mostly higher but in thin trade ahead of the long holiday weekend in London and New York.