The EU is offering 35,500 free rail passes to 18-year-olds as part of the DiscoverEU scheme, which aims to promote cultural connections within the EU. To apply for a free rail pass, applicants must be born between 1 July 2005 and 30 June 2006 and be legal residents of EU member states or certain third countries associated with the Erasmus programme. They must take an eligibility quiz on the European Youth Portal, answering questions about the EU and their travel plans. The deadline for applications is 30 April, and applicants will be ranked based on their quiz responses.
Successful applicants will receive a free rail pass to travel in Europe for up to 30 days between 1 July 2024 and 30 September 2025. They can choose to travel alone or with a group of up to five friends, with the option to include coach, ferry, or even flight passes in exceptional cases. The pass must include travel to at least one other eligible country, and participants can receive discounts through the European Youth Card. Applicants will be notified by email in June if they have been selected, and will be connected with an EU contractor to assist with travel bookings and payments.
There is a quota of travel passes allocated for each country, and if there are too many eligible applicants, a ‘first come, first served’ principle may apply. Successful applicants are expected to become DiscoverEU Ambassadors and share their travel experiences through social media or presentations. They will need to report back on their experiences through an online survey and will receive a certificate of participation highlighting the skills gained from their travel. The scheme aims to promote sustainable travel and cultural exchange among young people in the EU.
The application process involves answering six questions, including general knowledge about the EU and one additional question about travel plans. The information provided will not impact the selection process, which is based on the correctness of the responses. Applicants can travel alone or in a group, with the option to include coach, ferry, or flight passes depending on their travel needs. The overall journey can last from one day up to a maximum of one month, including up to seven travel days.
Participants will generally receive a pass worth up to €283.26 in second or economy class, with the possibility of increased amounts for those traveling from remote regions. Preference is given to the most sustainable travel options, and discounts are available through the European Youth Card for various activities and services across the EU. Successful applicants will receive notification by email in June and will be connected with an EU contractor for travel bookings and payments.
Overall, the DiscoverEU scheme offers young people the opportunity to explore Europe, meet new people, and gain valuable skills and experiences through travel. By becoming DiscoverEU Ambassadors and sharing their travel experiences, participants can contribute to promoting cultural exchange and sustainable travel practices within the EU.
