The European Union (EU) on Thursday decided to extend its sanctions against Syria for a further three months, said a EU statement.

"At the same time, arms embargo have been amended so as to allow for the provision of non-lethal equipment and technical assistance for the protection of civilians," the statement read.

It said the EU Foreign Affairs Council would continue its work of assessing and reviewing its sanctions against Syria.

Since the beginning of the Syria crisis, 21 sets of restrictive measures have been introduced by the EU to increase pressure on the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad.