[en] Arising from the EU 5^th and 6^th Framework Programs (FP’s), the purpose of this paper is to present the achievements gained in the area of HTR & VHTR component development within the 5th FP HTR-E project and the future work activities to be realized in the frame of the new RAPHAEL project (6^th FP). The HTR-E R&D project started on 1st January , 2002 with 14 partners, from industry and research centres involved in HTR development: Framatome ANP, CEA, Zittau university, NRG, FZ Juelich, Empresarios Agrupados, NNC, Jeumont, S2M, Ansaldo, von Karman institute, Heatric, EV Oberhausen, Aubert et Duval. The work programme concerned the technical developments of innovative components of a modern HTR with a direct cycle, with references to industrial projects existing at the time (GTMHR, PBMR) for direct cycle HTR. The main tasks performed within the HTR-E Work Packages were as follows: • The helium turbine (WP1), the recuperator heat exchanger (WP2), the electro-magnetic and catcher bearings of the turbo-machine (WP3) and the helium rotating seal: dry gas system, fluid film barrier, canned magnetic bearings (WP4). Based on past experiences and specific calculations, design recommendations of such components were proposed. Experimental tests were also performed to validate the recommended concepts for electro-magnetic bearings and recuperator heat exchanger. • The tribology (WP5). Sliding innovative components in helium environment were particularly concerned (stator seals, control rod mechanisms…). The experience feedback was analysed and complementary tests have been carried out by CEA and Framatome ANP. • The helium purification system (WP6). This work package provided recommendations on impurity content in the helium atmosphere for a modern HTR in accordance with the materials proposed for the innovative components. (author)