The energy crisis that began in 2021 and continues in 2022, in addition to the great confusion in the electricity market, has contributed to many activities related to energy transition and the implementation of certain acts in this regard reconsidered and new conclusions and decisions made. Energy transition is a long-term process and generally leads to a reduction in coal-based energy production, in line with climate goals. Having in mind that changes are taking place in the meantime, both in the development of new technologies and even more in the energy market, the goals of the transition should be set so that they have the following characteristics, ie. to be: Smart transition, Just transition and Green transition. The EU TRACER project (H2020, www.tracer-h2020eu) is one of the projects whose implementation will contribute to the successful realization of the transition process. The project covers 9 regions in Europe with intensive coal exploitation. The Kolubara region of coal has been chosen for Serbia. The aim of the project is to establish a strategy for development and innovation (R & I) that will contribute to easier and more successful transition of these regions to sustainable energy noncarbon systems. The paper will present examples of good practice from the project. Part of the paper is dedicated to the transition in the Kolubara Coal Region, with the opportunities provided by new technologies, but some threats that can be found on the transition path are also highlighted. The conclusion emphasizes that the goals of transition in European countries are common, and the paths to it are different.