European equity markets were poised for a weaker open on Thursday as the market remained volatile, while investors navigated trade and political uncertainties. US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US was in a sustained trade war with China, though Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested the current truce could be extended for a longer period. In France, investors assessed the political landscape as Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s new government faces upcoming no-confidence votes. Meanwhile, European shares rallied on Wednesday, led by gains in luxury stocks. Attention now shifts to earnings from ABB, EQT, and Nordea Bank, along with the release of monthly UK GDP data. In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures each slipped around 0.3%.