Lusatia is a so-called structurally weak region: its growth rate, employment level and per capita productivity are below average in comparison with other German regions. The termination of lignite-fired power generation would thus affect a region that already had to cope with a massive structural break after the german reunification. A proactive structural policy is therefore necessary to prevent the loss of economic potential and to increase the acceptance of the phasing out of lignite-fired power generation.