BRUSSELS — The European Union has extended sanctions against the Syrian regime for one additional year, until June 1, 2022, in light of the continued repression of the civilian population in the country, the European Council said in a statement on Thursday. The Council said it also removed from the list five deceased persons. The list now includes 283 persons targeted by both an assets freeze and a travel ban, and 70 entities subject to an assets freeze. Current sanctions against Syria were introduced in 2011 in response to the violent repression of the civilian population by the Assad regime. They also target companies and prominent businessmen benefitting from their ties with the regime and the war economy. Sanctions also include a ban on the import of oil, restrictions on certain investments, a freeze of the assets of the central bank of Syria held in the EU, and 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. EU sanctions in Syria are designed to avoid any impact on humanitarian assistance therefore not to affect the delivery of food, medicines and medical equipment. The EU keeps developments in the Syrian conflict under constant review and can decide to renew sanctions and amend the list of targeted entities or persons based on developments on the ground, the Council added in the statement.