AbstractThe content and the achievements of the European fusion programme in the field of technology are presented. The programme includes activities specifically responding to the needs of the design and construction of the Next Step, International thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER), and activities related to longer term developments, in particular to the future reactor. They are all attributed to five fields of competence each coordinated by a field coordinator in order to achieve the best use and integration of the available resources. The status of the many R&D activities conducted by the European Associations of national institution with EURATOM and by European industry is presented in detail to allow for an appraisal of the results of the large effort under way.