The EU Council has extended restrictive measures against Syria by one year, the statement on the EU Council's official website said.

“As the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, the Council has extended EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime by one year,” the statement reads.

Over 200 persons and 70 entities are now targeted by EU sanctions. The decision also extended the existing sanctions including the oil embargo and the restrictions on certain investments until 1 June 2016.