To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, Czechia and Germany have created framework conditions to phase out lignite while developing the coal regions into pioneers of sustainability transformation. These clean energy transitions are associated with a wide range of threats and opportunities, including employment and identity issues. Based on two European case studies–the Ústí Region in Czechia and Lusatia in Germany–we investigate regional development paths and the use of strategic planning instruments to prepare for structural change. We identify inclusive governance structures, place-based strategic planning and cross-domain knowledge networks as key influencing factors for regional transformation at early stages of the process.