High-resolution Ground-based European Solar Physics

This communication reviews some of the most challenging topics in high-resolution ground-based Solar Physics. The most powerful European facilities are described, together with their capabilities and skills gained in Europe using them. The reasons for a large-aperture solar telescope are outlined, based on present scientific needs, which have led to the joint project EST (European Solar Telescope), in which the most prestigious European Solar Physics research institutions participate. Some technical challenges of a such a large telescope are mentioned.