EU starts ticket campaign: 35,000 free moving tickets for young Europeans!

EU starts ticket campaign: 35,000 free moving tickets for young Europeans!

Wien, Österreich - The European Union continues its "Discovery" initiative and gives away over 35,000 train tickets to 18-year-olds from the Member States and associated countries. Participation is possible for young citizens from the EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Northern Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Turkey. To apply, the questions interested must answer in a quiz. Group applications with up to three friends are also subject to accountability. The intended trips are to take place between July 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026, as the Kleine Zeitung

The young target group includes people who were born between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. Participants with disabilities or health problems have the opportunity to take an accompanying person with them. In addition, the participants receive a Travel Pass and the Discovery Youth Card, which offers discounts for public transport, hotels, food as well as cultural and sporting activities in 36 European countries.

organization and meet-ups

The national Erasmus+ agencies are responsible for organizing meetings before, during and after the trip. In Austria, the OEAD - agency for education and internationalization has taken responsibility. Planned meet-ups in Austria will take place in Vienna from June 20 to 22, 2025 and from July 22nd to 25th, 2025 in the Salzkammergut.

The “Discoverew's” program was launched by the EU Commission in 2018 and is enjoying growing popularity. In autumn 2023, over 135,000 young people applied, including 3,700 from Austria. A total of 35,762 passes were awarded, including 718 in Austria. The application is made online via the European youth portal.

promotion of inclusion and mobility

The offer not only aims to promote travel, but also to strengthen intercultural dialogue and belonging to the EU. According to a survey by the European Commission from 2024, two thirds of the travel returning stated that they had traveled abroad for the first time. European Minister Claudia Plakolm emphasizes the importance of the program for identity and getting to know European cultures and emphasizes that the initiative contributes decisively to personal development, independence and to improve language skills.

In addition, young people with less opportunities have the opportunity to take part in the program due to the discovery inclusion campaign, which has existed since 2022. This special initiative supports access for 18 to 21 year olds and promotes learning, sustainable travel and environmental awareness.

The political basis of these programs is part of the EU youth strategy 2019-2027, which aims to promote the participation of young people in democratic life. The Discovereu programs offer numerous grants such as travel expenses, organizational support and individual help for the participants.