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

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

Deutschland - The EU Commission has announced that it will offer 36,000 young people the opportunity to travel through Europe for free in the coming year. This initiative is part of the "Discoverteu" program, which has existed since 2018 and has the goal of bringing young people closer to the cultural heritage of Europe and giving them the opportunity to make new friendships.

The trips are planned for the period from July to September 2026. The youngsters can move in the participating countries free of charge for a month. Loudradiokoeln.deFor this campaign, over 6,100 young people from Germany have already applied, which the country puts at the head of applications, followed by Spain and Poland.

Conditions of participation and application

The application was possible in April and was open to young people who are at least 18 years old at the start of the trip. This affects people who were born between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2006. The 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.

Interested parties can travel either alone or in groups of up to five people. The main transport is organized via the rail, which is not only environmentally friendly, but also a way to experience Europe in its diversity. The initiative has been awarded 355,000 tickets since 2018, and more than 1.5 million young people have applied overall.

Cultural experiences and networking

In addition to the passport, the program also offers discounts on accommodations and cultural institutions, which makes the journey even more attractive. Glenn MiCallef, EU Commissioner, describes participation in "Discovereu" as a life-changing. The young travelers also have the opportunity to take part in training and meetings before departure in order to prepare for their adventure as best as possible.

To exchange ideas with like-minded people, participants of the Facebook group #DiscoverEu can join. This promotes networking among the young travelers and enables you to exchange experiences and tips. Further information about the program is available on the European youth portal, where interested parties can find out more.

The "Discovery" initiative emphasizes the importance of intercultural exchange and education and offers young people the rare opportunity to experience Europe up close. This free journey is not only an adventure, but also an educational opportunity that the participants should use.