European shares slip at open and are on track to end the week marginally lower as uncertainty prevailed over Middle East peace efforts, while technology stocks led declines, pausing after a blistering two-month rally, Reuters reports.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index edges 0.2 per cent down to 623.10 points by 0713 GMT and is set to log a 0.5pc drop for the week.

Brent crude prices are at $95 a barrel and looked set to end the week higher, as chances for a diplomatic resolution between US and Iran looked slim.

Technology stocks lead declines among sectors with a 2pc drop, easing after a strong rally that has helped the shares gain over 33pc in the past two months — the most among STOXX 600 sectors.