EU launches ticket campaign: 35,000 free train tickets for young Europeans!

EU launches ticket campaign: 35,000 free train tickets for young Europeans!

The European Union is continuing its DiscoverEU initiative by giving away over 35,000 train tickets to 18-year-olds from Member States and associated countries. Participation is possible for young citizens from EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Turkey. To apply, those interested must answer questions in a quiz. Group applications with up to three friends are also accountable. The planned trips are scheduled to take place between July 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026 Small newspaper reported.

The young target group includes people born between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. Participants with disabilities or health problems have the option of taking a companion with them. In addition, participants receive a travel pass and the DiscoverEU youth card, which offers discounts on public transport, hotels, food and 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 from June 20th to 22nd, 2025 in Vienna and from July 22nd to 25th, 2025 in the Salzkammergut.

The “DiscoverEU” 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 passports were issued, 718 of which were in Austria. Applications are made online via the European Youth Portal.

Promoting inclusion and mobility

The offer aims not only to promote travel, but also to strengthen intercultural dialogue and belonging to the EU. According to a 2024 European Commission survey, two-thirds of returning travelers said they had traveled abroad by train 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 makes a decisive contribution to the personal development, independence and improvement of language skills of young people.

In addition, young people with fewer opportunities have the opportunity to take part in the program through the DiscoverEU inclusion campaign, which has existed since 2022. This special initiative supports access for 18-21 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 funding such as travel costs, organizational support and individual help for participants.