As defined in Regulation (EU) No. 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council, which establishes the common provisions for the ERDF, ESF, Cohesion Fund, EAFRD, and EMFF for the period 2014-2020, the partnership agreement is the document prepared by the Member State, with the participation of partners and multilevel governance. It outlines the Member State's strategy, priorities, and arrangements for using the European Structural and Investment Funds effectively and efficiently to pursue the Union’s strategy for smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth. The Commission must approve this document after evaluation and negotiation with the Member State.

Spain’s Partnership Agreement 2014-2020 was approved by the Commission on 4 November 2014.