The regulation and the decision has adopted by the Council provides an embargo on exports to Syria of arms and equipment that could be used for internal repression, as well as a visa ban and an assets freeze.

Catherine Asthon, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs has stated on behalf of the EU that these measures have been imposed in order to respond to the escalation of the Syrian authorities' violent crackdown, including by military means, that has led to the killing, injury or arrest of Syrian citizens for their participation in peaceful protests.In addition, the EU calls again President Bashar Al-Assad to choose the path of reform and national inclusive dialogue and avoid further bloodshed whilst the door remains open.

The aim of the Council Regulation and the Council Decision is to achieve a change of policy by the Syrian leadership without further delay. The EU urges Syria to put an immediate end to violence and swiftly introduce genuine and comprehensive political reform, the only way to provide peace and stability for Syria in the long term. Failing that, the EU will consider extending the restrictive measures in light of the developments, including at the highest level of leadership.

The visa ban and the assets freeze targets 13 officials and associates of the Syrian regime who have been identified by the Council as being responsible for the violent repression against the civilian population in Syria.