Recent results on the search for direct CP violation in the neutral kaon sy
stem are discussed together with a review of the techniques used. The new p
reliminary result from CERN-NA48 Re(epsilon '/epsilon) = (14.0 +/- 4.3) x 1
0(-4) is presented. The current world average is Re(epsilon '/epsilon) = (1
9.3 +/- 2,4) x 10(-4) establishing the existence of direct CP violation. (C
) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.