Brussels, 12/01/2006 (Agence Europe) - Danish MEP Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, former Danish prime minister and President of the Party of European Socialists (PES), says in a press release about the German government's recent announcement of a EUR 25 bn investment programme for economic growth that 'The new German government should be congratulated for investing in growth. Investment in Europe's largest economy should inspire similar action across Europe. This should be top of the agenda at the EU's Spring Summit. Both the Austrian Presidency and Commission President Barroso are talking about concentrating on jobs and growth. Investment is what is needed to kickstart growth.' He added that: 'Investment will have to be primarily national - but the EU should encourage and coordinate investment for maximum impact. A commitment to invest together and simultaneously would add enormous value.'