Geothermal energy is stored in the earth's interior in enormous amounts, but only a small part is currently exploited because of technical and economic constraints. Even so, present use in Europe covers electricity needs of I million people and provides heat to 1.1 million dwellings. The European outlook, as indicated in the Ferrara declaration of EGEC, the European Geothermal Energy Council, can be bright, provided public support is forthcoming and strong actions are taken.