European Commission’s DiscoverEU programme expands youth mobility
More than 40,000 18-year-olds will be able to travel across Europe by train free of charge after being selected in the latest round of DiscoverEU, an initiative launched by the European Commission.
In addition to the travel pass, participants will receive a card offering thousands of discounts on cultural activities, accommodation, local transport, food, and other services. The programme also includes pre-departure information sessions and DiscoverEU meet-ups.
One such gathering will take place in Lyon in July during the 2026 European Youth Week, focusing on solidarity and equity, and bringing together more than 200 young travellers.
DiscoverEU also supports the Cultural Compass for Europe by promoting DiscoverEU Cultural Routes – a curated collection of destinations for enthusiasts of film, fashion, gastronomy, visual arts, and more.
The initiative is a key component of Erasmus+, encouraging youth mobility, sustainable travel, cultural exchange, and European unity. This edition also marks 40 years of border-free travel following the Schengen Agreement.
“DiscoverEU gives thousands of young Europeans the opportunity to explore our continent and experience firsthand the value of free movement. This special Schengen anniversary edition is a reminder that mobility is a cornerstone of our shared European identity,” said Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport.
The latest round was open to applicants born between January 1 and December 31, 2007, from EU member states and Erasmus+ associated countries, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey. A total of 246,782 applications were submitted. Since 2018, more than 1.9 million young people have applied for 431,931 travel passes.
Photo: freepik.com
