Breeding blankets are the most important components in DEMO. The DEMO blanket has to withstand high neutron flux typically 15-30 dpa/year under continuous operation. Therefore integrated and effective development of blanket structural materials and breeding/multiplying materials is essential in the blanket development for DEMO. In parallel to the ITER program, broader approach (BA) activities are initiated by EU and Japan. Based on the common interest of each party towards DEMO, R&D on reduced activation ferritic martensitic (RAFM) steels as a DEMO blanket structural material, SiCf/SiC composites which have potential for use in DEMO blankets, advanced tritium breeders and neutron multiplier for DEMO blankets, and tritium technologies including tritium behavior studies in advanced materials for DEMO blanket applications will be carried out as a part of the BA activities. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.