EU sanctions target chemical weapons crackdown

The European Union on Monday adopted a new sanction regime on individuals and entities that contribute to the development and use of chemical weapons.

The European Council adopted the new system of sanctions against the spread of chemical weapons during the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg.

"The restrictive measures target persons and entities who are directly responsible for the development and use of chemical weapons as well as those who provide financial, technical or material support, and those who assist, encourage or are associated with them," said a written European Council statement.

The statement added that the EU will be able to impose the sanctions on persons and entities "regardless of their nationality and location."

"Sanctions consist of a travel ban to the EU and an asset freeze for persons, and an asset freeze for entities. In addition, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those listed," it added.