On May 17, the Council of the EU extended its restrictive measures against the Syrian regime until 1 June 2020. With this action, the EU follows its current strategy to maintain restrictive measures against the Syrian regime and its supporters as the repression of civilian population continues, while it remains committed to finding a political solution to the conflict. Sanctions against Syria include an oil embargo, restrictions on certain investments, a freeze of the assets of the Syrian central bank held in the EU, export restrictions on equipment and technology that might be used for internal repression as well as on equipment and technology for the monitoring or interception of internet or telephone communications.