article_snippet: second largest EU economy could overtake Germany to become the biggest in Europe within 20 years, Clegg claims today.
article_snippet: Clegg claims that under Clegg plans the UK can become the 'powerhouse of Europe'.
article_snippet: The Centre for Economic and Business Research has predicted that within the next two decades, Germany, held back by a declining population and the weakness of the euro, could be overtaken by the UK for the first time since 1954.
article_snippet: At an event at London's docklands, Mr Clegg will set out an ambition to sustain economic growth of an average of more than 1 per cent higher per year than Germany until 2035.
article_snippet: Mr Clegg  claims that under Mr Clegg  plans the UK can become the 'powerhouse of Europe' The plan will involve ring-fencing the £4.6 billion science budget, with a commitment to increasing The plan in real terms once the deficit is eliminated.
article_snippet: We can grow faster than both France and Germany, overtaking France and Germany as the largest economy in Europe in 20 years' time. '
article_snippet: Experts say Germany is being held back by a declining population and the impact of the eurozone crisis which continues to dog the single currency.
highlights_snippet: Clegg claims by 2035 the UK will be
highlights_snippet: the 'powerhouse of Europe'
  Sets out plan to see Britain leapfrog Germany to become EU's biggest .