A research and development (R&D) programme for the ITER blanket-shield modules has been implemented in Europe to provide input for the design and the manufacture of the full-scale production components. It involves in particular the fabrication and testing of mock-ups and full-scale prototypes of shield blocks and first wall (FW) panels. This paper summarises the main achievements obtained so far and presents the latest results of this R&D programme. In particular, it reports the status of the shield fabrication development programme with the manufacture of a full-scale shield prototype. It also reports the latest results of high heat flux and thermal fatigue tests of FW mock-ups. It describes the preparation of irradiation experiments of Be coated FW mock-ups. Finally, it presents the outline of a possible qualification programme that each contributing participant teams should pass prior to the procurement of the blanket-shield modules for ITER.