EU: Free Travel Pass for 36,000 Young People to Explore Europe

The European Commission recently announced the DiscoverEU autumn call, offering 36,000 young individuals a free travel pass to explore Europe’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

This aligns with the Erasmus+ program, aiming to promote youth engagement and cultural understanding across the EU and third countries.

The application period runs until October 18, 12:00 CEST. To secure a travel pass young people are invited to apply on the European Youth Portal, answer 5 quiz questions – on the European Union and other EU youth initiatives – and one tiebreaker question. Successful applicants, born between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2005, can travel for up to 30 days between March 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025.

This call extends to EU and third-country applicants, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Türkiye.

“DiscoverEU is one of the most attractive EU programs for young people, distributing 248,000 travel passes since 2018… Its participants explore Europe, make new friends, and gain valuable skills,” said EU Commissioner Iliana Ivanova.

Highlights this year include the New European Bauhaus Route, emphasizing a sustainable European Union. Participants can also enjoy initiatives from the European Year of Youth in 2022 such as the ‘Youth discovers culture thanks to DiscoverEU in 2022‘ and the DiscoverEU Culture Route.

Moreover, DiscoverEU travelers can visit European Capitals of Culture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and locations with the European Heritage Label or the Access City Award label, signifying their dedication to accessibility for all.

As part of their journey, participants will receive a discount card, providing access to over 40,000 discounts on public transport, cultural experiences, accommodation, food, sports, and other services in eligible countries.

Erasmus+ National Agencies support participants with information meetings and cultural programs, including DiscoverEU Meet-ups. Inclusivity is a focus, with support for participants with disabilities or health issues and grants through the DiscoverEU Inclusion Action.

While the Commission encourages sustainable rail travel, special arrangements are made for young people from outermost regions, Overseas Counties and Territories, remote areas, and islands.

Post-travel surveys indicate that until today,72 percent of DiscoverEU participants traveled by train for the first time out of their country of residence, fostering independence and cultural awareness. Additionally, the initiative has improved language skills and provided invaluable experiences. Over two thirds said that they would not have been able to finance their travel pass without DiscoverEU.