CEEP was founded in 1961, when several conferences on public economy started, and was organised by the European Commission.

For this reason CEEP General Secretariat was established in Brussels, under the pressure, among others of National Authorities concerned by public economy.

In 1965, the European Commission recognised CEEP as a European Social Partner, together with the Union des Industries de la Communauté Européenne (UNICE), the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations (COPA).

The original aims of CEEP included uniting the national public enterprises' federations to foster solidarity between them; acting as a spokesperson, body to the European institutions. CEEP still works in order to maintain a regular consultation with official institutions and consultative bodies, analyse current problems, contribute to its responses on European draft regulations, directives and other legislation of interest to its members.

Many eminent men from different European countries that represent the highest levels of public sector have been associated with CEEPs' work. In the past forty years 7 Presidents and 6 Secretary General have contributed to the work of the Association.