Get ready to explore Europe by Train for Free!

Are you an EU🇪🇺 citizen born between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2001? Would you like to spend the summer☀️ travelling through Europe by train🚆 for free? Apply now to participate!

 Get ready to explore Europe!

What is DiscoverEU?

DiscoverEU is an initiative of the European Union that gives you the opportunity to discover Europe through learning experiences. Travelling predominantly by rail (there are exceptions to allow those living on islands or in remote areas), you will discover Europe’s stunning landscapes and its variety of cities and towns. Young people can apply during the two application rounds which take place each year. Successful applicants are awarded with a travel pass.

As an 18-year-old citizen of the European Union, DiscoverEU offers you the opportunity to participate in a travel experience that will enable you to take advantage of the freedom of movement throughout the European Union, explore the diversity of Europe while travelling, learn about European cultural heritage and history, and connect with people from all over the continent. Furthermore, DiscoverEU enables you, as a young person, to develop life skills of value to your future, such as independence, confidence, and openness to other cultures.    

Almost 50 000 young people have been awarded a travel pass since the first application round in June 2018. Another round is taking place now and will run until Thursday 28 November 2019 at 12:00 (CET).

To be eligible, you need to:

• Have been born between 1 January 2001 (included) and 31 December 2001 (included);
• Have the nationality of one of the Member States of the European Union at the time of the award decision;
• Complete the correct ID or passport number on the online application form.

Then you will need to participate in a quiz (unless you apply as a group member).

If you are selected, you can travel for a period of minimum 1 day and up to 30 days between 1 April 2020 and 31 October 2020. 

Note that if you have a disability or a health problem that makes your trip challenging, you will receive assistance and support to help you take part in DiscoverEU.

Can I travel with my friends?

Yes you can! It really is up to you. You can go solo or add up to 4 friends in your group provided they meet the eligibility conditions above. They will use your application code to submit their own application.

You can also organise meet-ups and combine travel plans with other DiscoverEU travellers! The DiscoverEU Facebook Group is a good platform to do this. Join the Group now to chat with other participants.

   ‘There is a whole world out there. Pack your backpack, your best friend and go.’

Share experiences

As a DiscoverEU Ambassador, you will be invited you to share your travel experiences through social media tools - Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter - using #DiscoverEU. You may decide to give a presentation at your school or local community. Moreover, you could participate in the #DiscoverEU photo/video #Competition and win great prizes.

I want to know more – here’s some information from the factsheet;

“Turning 18 marks a major step to adulthood. We want to support Europe’s young people in taking this step by giving them the opportunity to discover our continent’s incredible cultural heritage, get to know and learn from other people – and come to recognise that there is more that unites us than divides us.” Tibor Navracsics, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth & Sport

WHAT IS DiscoverEU? DiscoverEU is an EU initiative giving 18-year-old young people from all backgrounds the opportunity to travel around Europe, learn from other cultures, build new friendships with fellow Europeans, and explore their European identity. Organised for the first time in 2018, young people embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm. Nearly 275,000 young people applied for the almost 50,000 travel passes available over three application rounds in 2018-2019. The allocation of the travel passes was based on the share of Member States’ population compared to the overall population of the EU. All country quotas were used.

49,551 participants have already participated in previous rounds – they represent;

70% in school or leaving school

22% in higher education

2% in vocational training

2% on a gap year

1% employed

1% volunteering

2% other

Here are some of their stories from past participants;

”Most definitely I liked trains and the long-distance journeys, I fell in love with railways and I think that this is the best mean of transport. I enjoyed the opportunity to travel in Europe and I liked visiting places that I did not have the chance to visit before. I also liked my full independence and self-reliance. I liked getting to know other people with whom I’m still in contact today. I was surprised that I fell so much in love in this kind of travel, like visiting several places in 2 weeks or more. I learned how to travel on my own without the help of my parents. For me the best city has definitely been Amsterdam, I liked the atmosphere and the city itself.”

Aleksandra B. (Poland): travelled to Germany, Denmark, Sweden and The Netherlands

“The word I would use to describe my journey is “Union”. The thing that really surprised me was the ease with which I and the other DiscoverEU participants became friends, we shared experiences and emotions, without knowing each other at all. The union between the different cultures of this trip has left me speechless, I really never thought of finding such great people who offered me a smile every day. Without any doubt I learned to trust others and I shared everything that I could while travelling.”

Marta P. (Italy): travelled to Hungary, Czechia, Germany and The Netherlands

“From the start, I was eager to participate in the DiscoverEU initiative, and I was extremely happy to be among the selected ones. The European Commission showed an open attitude and was determined to find solutions for my situation. The experience has been very enriching for me and also for society. On the one hand, society was surprised to see me, a boy with great disability helped by a team of assistants to enjoy life abroad. On the other hand, my severe limitations created very positive feelings of empathy and help among people, and ultimately integration.”

Javier G. (Spain): travelled to The Netherlands

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