Europe seen lower after US growth concerns

European equities are expected to open higher Thursday despite weak U.S. growth data Wednesday, following the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain its data-dependent stance toward interest rates.

The Federal Open Market Committee concluded a two-day policy meeting Wednesday. In the statement released after the meeting removed all calendar references and contained no new guidance on the timing of a rate hike, making the possibility of a June rate hike less likely.

The decision came as the U.S. economy has hit a soft patch, largely blamed on harsh winter weather and a strong dollar.

Data published Wednesday ahead of the Fed's announcement showed the U.S. economy expanded a meager 0.2 percent in the first three months of the year, much slower than expected. The data riled markets with Wall Street closing lower and Asian stocks falling overnight as investors showed their concern over the figures.

In Asia, the Bank of Japan (BOJ), decided Thursday to maintain its massive stimulus program at its monthly policy meeting.

Back in Europe, euro zone officials tried to get Greece to compromise over reforms on Wednesday so the country can unlock urgently needed aid. Athens said it would present a list of reforms for legislation to show it is serious about implementing its promises; it has been slow to do so, however.

The measures Greece has proposed, which include some privatizations and tax reforms, will be assessed in more detail when technical-level teams from Greece and the lenders meet on Thursday, Greek government officials told Reuters late Wednesday.

Earnings releases will come from Airbus, BNP Paribas, Nokia, Statoil, Rosneft, Swiss Re, RBS and Royal Dutch Shell Thursday. Data releases include euro zone inflation for April and March unemployment figures, both due at 10:00 GMT.