The European Union has imposed new sanctions on Syria, including a ban on oil investments in the country.

In a statement Friday, EU Foreign Affairs Chief Catherine Ashton said the measure serves to reinforce an earlier ban on Syrian crude imports implemented on September 2.

Ashton said the sanctions are designed to have a maximum impact on the Syrian government, while minimizing potential negative impacts on the Syrian population.

The measures also include a ban on the delivery of bank notes to the Syrian central bank, as well as an asset freeze and travel ban on several individuals linked to the Syrian government.

The United Nations says at least 2,700 people have been killed during Syria's crackdown on anti-government protests.