Abstract
The European Southern Observatory is currently completing the detailed design phase of the 42m European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT), with a final decision on construction scheduled for December 2010. This is by far the most ambitious of a new generation of large ground-based optical/infrared telescopes planned for completion within the coming decade.
This talk will present the planned capabilities of the telescope, demonstrating how key science areas are driving the design of the instrumentation. I will also explain the rationale behind the recent selection of the E-ELT site. Finally, the expected wider impact of this facility will be discussed, both for science and for society in general, and some ideas will be provided on the possibility of Norwegian participation.