As with the identification stage, the prospective implementing partners and other local stakeholders should usually take a lead role in the formulation stage in order to help ensure ownership and commitment. However, donors (including the EC) often take an active supporting role with respect to the financing and management of feasibility/design studies, including the provision of technical assistance/advisory inputs.

The roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders (including the EC) in the formulation stage will be influenced by a number of factors, including:

• the extent to which the project aims to integrate with local institutional structures and build local capacity;
• the anticipated project coordination and management arrangements (including financial management, internal control and reporting framework); and
• stakeholders’ capacity to participate in and finance the formulation process.

The key tasks and responsibilities of the EC during this phase depend on whether or not the financing decision is being made now or at the end of identification.

The tasks associated with two main options are summarised in the table here.

Following the devolution reform, the delegations have a direct responsibility for formulation work, with methodological support and quality control exercised by the HQ