The Venezuelan government on Wednesday said that European Union Ambassador to Caracas Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa is "unwelcome" and asked her to leave the country in 72 hours.

The move, announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jorge Arreaza, was in response to new sanctions against the South American country.

On Monday, the EU expanded a list of regime members targeted by asset freezes and travel bans by the bloc.

"Today, by decision of President Nicolas Maduro, we presented to Mrs Isabel Brilhante... her declaration as persona non grata," Arreaza told reporters.

"She has been given 72 hours to leave Venezuelan territory."

"Hopefully there will be reflection in the European Union, hopefully we will be able to rebuild the bridges of understanding, of dialogue, hopefully they will learn to respect," he added.

The EU, in response to the development, issued a statement through spokeswoman Nabila Massrali demanding Venezuela reverse its decision.

"The EU profoundly regrets this decision, which will only lead to further international isolation of Venezuela. We call for this decision to be reversed," Massrali said.

"Venezuela will only overcome its ongoing crisis through negotiation and dialogue, to which the EU is fully committed but which this decision undermines directly."

The expansion of the list followed a rejection by the EU of a December legislative election that saw President Nicolas Maduro win control of parliament after an opposition boycott.

The election results were not recognized by the EU, the United States or several Latin American countries.

Some of the newly-sanctioned officials are two members of the National Assembly, the governor of Zulia state, the commander of the armed forces and three members of Venezuela's electoral council.

(With input from agencies)