The EU sanctions against the country's regime has been reinforced in view of the gravity of the situation in Syria. Among the sanctions, the Council banned investment in key sectors of the Syrian oil industry.

The Council of the EU has issued a decision imposing new restricting measures against the Syrian regime. From now it is banned to invest in Syrian oil industry. EU-based operators may no more acquire a participation in Syrian enterprises engaged in exploration, production and refining crude oil, both in their country and abroad nor create joint ventures with them. Credits and financial loans to such enterprises are also covered by the ban.

Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission stressed the need of the additional measures because so far, the Syrian regime has resisted to the urgent calls from the European Union as well as the international community to stop completely the regime's repression against the Syrian people and the calls to release immediately detained protestors. Ms Asthon also added that the EU restrictive measures are designed to have maximum impact on the Syrian regime, while minimizing any potential negative impacts on the Syrian population.

In addition the Council also banned the delivery of Syrian-denominated bank notes and coinage produced in the EU to the Syrian Central Bank. On the other hand, the Council added two more persons and six entities to the list of those targeted by an asset freeze and travel ban.