European stocks declined on Thursday after reversing early gains, with the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 each down 0.3%. The move extended losses of more than 1% in the previous session as investors assessed the ECB (euro-zone central bank), which raised rates by 25 basis points as expected while lifting its growth and inflation forecasts. The ECB said the Middle East conflict was adding to inflationary pressure and indicated inflation could remain above target for an extended period. Brent crude traded above $102 a barrel, while technology stocks weakened ahead of Oracle’s earnings. ASML fell more than 2% and SAP declined 2.5%.