The GRIP 2024 (Green Roma Inclusion Program), was supported by the European Climate Foundation (ECF), served as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering marginalized Roma communities in Slovakia and Hungary. This innovative project ensured active of the marginalized Roma communities in Slovakia and Hungary in the European Union’s green transition while addressed critical issues such as energy poverty, environmental injustice, and socio-economic disparities among the most vulnerable ones. By integrating community needs with sustainability goals, GRIP 2024 fostered inclusive growth and enhanced living standards for some of Europe’s most disadvantaged communities such as the marginalized Roma communities in Slovakia and Hungary.
Key Objectives and Activities of the initiative:
- Participatory Municipal Planning
GRIP 2024 assisted municipalities in developing evidence-based, participatory strategies for sustainable community based development. A flagship initiative focused on the biggest urban Roma neighborhood in Slovakia and Europe – Luník IX, Košice, addressed multifaceted challenges—energy, social, economic, and environmental—through a holistic community managing approach. - Energy Efficiency Audits
The program also conducted pilot energy audits for social housing in Veľký Krtíš, helping residents access public funding schemes like “Green for Households” serving as a replicable model for other municipalities, demonstrating how technical assistance can unlock funding and improve energy efficiency among the most vulnerable communities. - Innovative Local Solutions
GRIP 2024 established energy community social enterprises rooted in circular economy principles. Activities included the aim of wood briquettes production from wooden waste and the integration of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels. These enterprises aimed creating local jobs and reducing energy costs of the community, promoting both environmental and economic sustainability. - Regional Collaboration and Advocacy
To amplify impact, GRIP 2024 aimed to establish the Aarhus Centre for Roma Communities in Central Europe, a regional hub for knowledge-sharing, advocacy, and capacity-building. Additionally, the project will hosted multi-stakeholder roundtables to promote policy changes and replicate successful models across the disadvantaged regions. - Capacity Building and Awareness
GRIP 2024 fostered local expertise by partnering with municipalities, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Started long-term capacity building for evidence-based policymaking, ensuring Roma communities are active elements in shaping their sustainable futures.
Why GRIP 2024?
- Strategic Alignment: The project directly supported the EU Green Deal and Slovakia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan by integrating social justice into sustainability initiatives.
- Innovative Approach: GRIP 2024 combined technical solutions with participatory methodologies to create scalable, community-driven outcomes.
Expert Leadership: Spearheaded by RESDI (Roma Environmental Sustainability and Development Initiative), the project benefited from an interdisciplinary team with expertise in energy, policy, and sustainable development.
