Brussels, 24/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 23 July, the European Commission approved the Cypriot regional aid plan for the 2014-2020 programming period. The designated aid covers 49.94% of the population, the same coverage as under the previous aid map. The regions across the country were selected based on their economic situation, taking particular account of promotion of tourism, agri-tourism, manufacturing and the special objectives of the Cypriot regional and rural development policy. The maximum aid intensity in the eligible zones for big companies' investment projects is 10% of admissible costs. This rises by up to 10% for medium-sized companies and 20% for small companies. The aid intensity has fallen slightly on the previous aid map. (EL)