The CEA implements an extremely proactive policy on working with its European partners, which is manifested in its highly-committed involvement in a series of research and development framework programmes (FP), and, more particularly, in FP6 – the 6th R&D Framework Programme, currently in progress: the CEA is currently involved in more than 180 projects and acts as co-ordinator for 34 of these. The CEA is also looking ahead to the future, contributing to the preparations for the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, notably through technological platforms designed to structure and implement new forms of partnership between research institutes and industry in certain targeted sectors. Lastly, it is plays a key role in training and human resources throughout Europe, promoting training and opportunities for researchers and students.

Furthermore, as an advisor on foreign nuclear policy to the French government , the CEA is, through a decree dating from 1958, responsible for running the secretariat of the CTI (Inter-ministerial Technical Committee) for application of the Euratom treaty placed under the authority of the Prime Minister. As such, it is involved in developing the positions, defended at the European Union Council of Ministers, relative to nuclear issues (research, health and safety protection, relations with non-Member countries, and non-proliferation controls, etc.). Negotiations for the latter take place within the Council's working groups on "research" and "atomic power issues". It acts as expert advisor to EU institutions, notably in matters concerning EU energy policy and the Euratom treaty on nuclear policy.

Lastly, the CEA is developing stronger dialogue with European institutions (the Commission, the European Parliament), contributing its expertise to the development of discussion and decision-making at EC level.