Nuclear fusion is a long-term, safe and environmentally benign energy source suitable for the large-scale, base-load electricity production necessary for the sustainable development of our society. The EURATOM Fusion Programme has the world-wide leadership of the magnetic confinement fusion research and development (R&D) activities. This paper presents a review of the strategy, programmatic content and organization of this fully integrated and co-ordinated programme. Special attention is given to the fusion R&D activities in the 7th Framework Programme as well as to the ITER Project. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd.