EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg published a statement expressing "deep concern on the lack of tangible progress on the promised transition towards a legitimate civilian government".

The sanctions, first introduced in 1996 after Yangon failed to meet EU demands for greater democracy, were "rolled over" with agreement of all 27 EU member states without debate.

The EU foreign ministers reiterated their call for Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to be freed from house arrest and also for the launch of a national dialogue for reconciliation and an end to human rights abuses.

The EU "calls for an end to the military campaign against civilians," the ministers added.

Despite all their concern, the EU foreign ministers stated their "willingness to consider the suspension of these restrictive measures and to substantially step up co-operation in response to substantial improvement in the political situation in Myanmar".

Under the sanctions, renewed annually, members of the ruling military junta and their families are forbidden to enter EU member states. EU companies or organisations are also forbidden to invest in Myanmar.