Making Europe the first climate neutral continent in the world (by 2050) is one of the most important, but also most challenging goals of the European Union. By 2030 the EU member states should reduce emissions by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels. European Commission believes that achieving this goal will create new jobs and opportunities for innovation and investment. On the other hand, due to combination of many factors (e.g. higher gas and electricity demand thanks to post-Covid economic recovery, lower RES production than expected or unprecedented increase of the EU carbon price) the energy prices in Europe are rapidly soaring. This fact helps to raise many doubts as to whether the Green Deal goals are achievable and as socially acceptable. During the workshop experts from diverse backgrounds and entities will discuss what opportunities and challenges bring the energy transformation for Central European countries and what are the pathways to overcome these challenges (in the specific context of the Czech Republic and Austria).