The long term European materials R&D programme is mainly focused on the development of the following DEMO relevant materials: structural (RAFM steel called EUROFER), plasma facing (W alloy), breeder and neutron multiplier (Pb-17Li, Li4SiO4, Li2TiO3 and Be). Materials like ODS and SiCf/SiC composite are also investigated for advanced fusion reactor concepts. In addition, the materials programme includes activities in nuclear data, modelling of irradiation effects and International fusion materials irradiation facility (IFMIF) (the intense fusion relevant neutron source for material testing). A short description of the EU materials development programme strategy, the ongoing R&D activities and the main results obtained so far are reported in this paper. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.