Europe dispatches 36,000 youths, offering complimentary excursions across the continent
EU Commission Offers Free European Travel Passes for Young People
Brussels - The European Commission has announced a new initiative, providing 36,000 tickets for free European travel to young people. From July 2023 to September 2024, they can embark on a month-long adventure across Europe by train, free of charge, according to the Brussels authority.
Applications for this opportunity were accepted in April, with the condition that applicants must be at least 18 years old at the start of their journey. Eligible candidates hail not only from EU Member States but also from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey.
The program, known as "DiscoverEU," has received a significant number of applications, particularly from Germany, Spain, and Poland. In total, over 6,100 German youth are set to receive funding for their trip. Since its launch in 2018, the program has facilitated travel for a staggering 391,000 young people.
In addition to the travel pass, participants will receive a European Youth Card, granting them access to various discounts on accommodations, cultural institutions, and more. The aim of the program is to foster connections among young people from diverse backgrounds, helping them embrace their shared European identity.
The DiscoverEU program forms part of the broader Erasmus+ Programme, offering two application rounds each year (spring and autumn). The budget allocation for 2025 stands at EUR 42.23 million. Furthermore, the program incorporates inclusion actions to support young people with fewer opportunities, with organizations like Léargas facilitating these initiatives.
While specific numbers on participation distribution across countries are not provided in the available data, it is noted that in Belgium, 6,637 young people applied, with 928 eventually receiving a pass. The program is widely accessible to young Europeans and those residing in Erasmus+ countries.
Young people can embark on a lifestyle adventure across Europe with the European Commission's DiscoverEU program, traveling for free from July 2023 to September 2024. Alongside their travel pass, participants will receive a European Youth Card, enabling discounts on accommodations, cultural institutions, and more, fostering connections among diverse young Europeans.
