The European Union has suspended support for development projects in Myanmar to avoid providing financial assistance to the military following its seizure of power last month, Reuters reported.

The EU has told a World Trade Organization committee that it is suspending development cooperation that would support the military, the EU trade representative said.

The European Commission has confirmed that it has suspended budgetary support that in past years has included more than € 200 million in individual programs that have typically lasted four years.

The EU decision follows international condemnation of the February 1 military coup in Myanmar. The UN Special Envoy to Myanmar said 38 people were killed during the protests.

EU development assistance to Myanmar focuses on education, justice, elections, and nutrition in rural areas in one of Asia's poorest countries.