Using this technology, the LAMA laser now makes it possible to restore the most sensitive parts of our cultural heritage, and to reach previously inaccessible areas - without using water or sand. Permanently changing, they attract a large share of society's problems such as run-down neighbourhoods, social exclusion, insecurity, environmental deterioration, and traffic congestion. Europe's cities also contain a rich cultural heritage, including the most beautiful memorials of its history and art, vital landmarks of our collective memory. Protecting this heritage against pollution, and preserving and renovating it represent a major cultural challenge. Implications for the economy Global economic life takes place less and less on a national scale, but is based on the prosperity of urban centres inter-linked at the regional level.
Cities are the strategic focal points of various sectors and markets, and centres for innovation.
Implications for Europe Europe has no one centre. Its urban life focuses around a vast network of cities which exchange populations, goods, and services of every kind. By their very nature, urban questions thus have a transnational dimension, and constitute a fruitful area of European cooperation. Similarly, new solutions that emerge in European cities often provide examples that can be adapted to other parts of the world.