Brussels, March 20 (QNA) - European stock indices closed lower on Friday.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell by 1.78 percent to reach 573.28 points, while the German DAX index dropped 1.94 percent, closing at 22,397.43 points.

Additionally, the French CAC 40 lost approximately 1.82 percent, falling to 7,665.62 points, while the British FTSE 100 declined by about 1.44 percent to end the session at 9,918.33 points. (QNA)