The European Commission has launched a new round of DiscoverEU, offering 40,000 free travel passes to 18-year-olds who want to explore Europe, primarily by train. Applications opened on April 8, 2026, and close on April 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., and winners will be able to travel between July 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027.
Young people born between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008, from European Union member states and countries associated with the Erasmus+ program, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Turkiye, are eligible to apply. Selection is based on a five-question quiz about the European Union and an additional question from the European Youth Portal.
Train travel for up to 30 days
According to the European Commission, those selected will receive a DiscoverEU pass allowing them to travel for up to 30 days. The call guidelines specify that, within this period, participants may use the pass for 7 days of actual travel. The primary mode of transport remains the train, although special arrangements exist for certain regions or situations where rail travel is not possible.
In addition to the travel pass, participants also receive a discount card covering public transportation, accommodation, culture, food, sports, and other services in eligible countries. The program also includes pre-departure meetings, as well as DiscoverEU events, where participants can meet other young people and receive additional information about the European Union.
Additional support for young people from vulnerable backgrounds
The European Commission notes that the program offers additional support to young people with disabilities, health issues, or from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.
This support may include additional funding or the option to travel with an accompanying person, through the DiscoverEU Inclusion Action component.
Program launched in 2018
DiscoverEU was launched in 2018, at the request of the European Parliament, and is part of the Erasmus+ 2021–2027 program. According to Commission data, since the initiative began, there have been over 1.9 million applicants for 431,931 passes available.
In addition, 72% of participants who responded to the most recent survey said it was the first time they had traveled by train outside their country of residence, and over two-thirds stated they would not have been able to afford the trip without this program.
A Key Role in Promoting Train Travel
Beyond its youth-focused aspect, DiscoverEU also serves as a tool through which European institutions encourage rail mobility across the continent.
The Commission explicitly emphasizes rail travel as the primary option, in line with European goals for more sustainable transportation.
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