The European Commission this year unveiled its framework for research and innovation spending, envisioning to spend 100 billion euros from 2021 to 2027 with greater emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation. 

The investment plan is open to the world and especially to China, as it is in line with China's next five-year plan, according to an EU official. 

Jean-Eric Paquet, Director General of Research and Innovation of the European Commission, told CGTN during an exclusive interview that the EU has a tradition of cooperation, this fresh innovation spending plan could bring new opportunities to deepen the cooperation with China.

It's been 13 years since the EU-China IP Dialogue Mechanism was established. Paquet says he has admired China's achievements in intellectual property protection through the years.

“Intellectual property protection cooperation between China and the EU has been discussed for many years. We see progress in China's endeavor,” said Paquet, “though I may not call the current situation perfect, maybe we need some time and patience, but I think the direction that China insists on is right.”

Through all these years, China and the EU have achieved fruitful accomplishments in vital programs. In this year's 20th China-EU summit, the two sides committed to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the fields such as education and mobility of researchers.

For the future cooperation in science and technology between China and the EU, the EU-China 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation highlights key areas including food, agriculture and biotechnology, sustainable urbanization, aviation, water, health, ICT, and research infrastructures.