EU is giving away 36,000 tickets: Discover Europe for free!

EU is giving away 36,000 tickets: Discover Europe for free!

The EU Commission has announced that it will offer 36,000 young people the opportunity to travel through Europe for free next year. This initiative is part of the DiscoverEU program, launched in 2018, with the aim of introducing young people to Europe's cultural heritage and giving them the opportunity to make new friends.

The trips are planned for the period from July to September 2026. The young people can travel by train in the participating countries free of charge for a month. Loud radiokoeln.de Over 6,100 young people from Germany have already applied for this campaign, which puts the country at the top of the list of applications, followed by Spain and Poland.

Conditions of participation and application

Applications were possible in April and were open to young people who were at least 18 years old at the start of the trip. This applies to people born between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2006. Participants must submit their applications by the end of May 2026 to secure the free tickets. These can then be used for a total of 30 days.

Those interested can travel alone or in groups of up to five people. The main transport is organized by rail, which is not only environmentally friendly, but also a way to experience Europe in all its diversity. 355,000 tickets have already been awarded through the initiative since 2018, and more than 1.5 million young people have applied in total.

Cultural experiences and networking

In addition to the passport, the program also offers discounts on accommodation and cultural facilities, making the trip even more attractive. Glenn Micallef, EU Commissioner, describes taking part in DiscoverEU as life-changing. The young travelers also have the opportunity to attend pre-departure training and meetings to best prepare for their adventure.

To connect with like-minded people, participants can join the #DiscoverEU Facebook group. This promotes networking among young travelers and allows them to share experiences and tips. Further information about the program is available on the European Youth Portal, where interested parties can find out more.

The “DiscoverEU” initiative highlights the importance of intercultural exchange and education and offers young people the rare opportunity to experience Europe up close. This free trip is not only an adventure, but also an educational opportunity that participants should take advantage of.