European stock markets were set for a lower opening on Wednesday, reflecting a decline in global risk appetite as U.S. technology stocks and most Asian markets saw downturns overnight. Investors were keenly anticipating the release of the Federal Reserve's July meeting minutes along with the upcoming Jackson Hole symposium for new insights into potential shifts in interest rate policy. Within Europe, attention was drawn to a report indicating that UK inflation rose more sharply than anticipated in July, heightening worries about persistent price pressures. Additionally, Sweden's Riksbank was expected to announce its latest policy decision. On the corporate side, earnings reports from Alcon and Geberit were also on the horizon. In premarket trading, futures for the Euro Stoxx 50 dropped by 0.5%, and Stoxx 600 futures decreased by 0.3%.