Brussels - The European Union has decided to target the first individuals for the use of chemical weapons under a new sanctions regime, EU sources told dpa on Thursday.

The announcement will include listings for individuals suspected of carrying out a nerve agent attack on former double-agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the British city of Salisbury in March, according to an EU diplomat.

Another EU diplomat told dpa that nine individuals and one entity will be targeted for chemical weapons use. He declined to name nations or individuals.

In addition, existing sanctions on Syrians will be expanded to include 11 individuals and five entities, he said.

The move is expected to be announced on Monday at a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

The EU first announced its plans to approve new sanctions in October, in part to take action against events such as the Skripals' poisoning.

At the time, the EU said the sanctions would apply to "persons and entities" involved in chemical weapons "anywhere, regardless of their nationality and location."

The measures would also apply to anyone helping or encouraging such attacks.