Since its inception in June 2018, the DiscoverEU initiative has continued to inspire young Europeans to explore the continent by train. Initially launched as a pilot project by the European Parliament, DiscoverEU has become a key component of the Erasmus+ programme for 2021-2027, encouraging sustainable travel and cultural exploration.
To date, over 1.3 million young people have applied for the chance to receive a DiscoverEU travel pass, with a total of 319,000 passes awarded. The initiative has proven to have a lasting impact on participants' travel habits—93 per cent of past recipients reported that DiscoverEU inspired them to use trains more frequently for their future travel.
This summer, 35,551 young Europeans were among the lucky recipients of the travel pass, allowing them to travel across Europe for free. In the latest round of applications held in April 2024, more than 180,000 young people expressed interest in the initiative.
The selected participants, aged between 18 and 20, now have the flexibility to explore Europe solo or in groups of up to five people. Their passes allow them to travel between July 2024 and September 2025, offering a unique opportunity to experience the cultural and geographical diversity of Europe through sustainable, eco-friendly travel.
DiscoverEU continues to promote environmental awareness, social connection, and a deeper appreciation of Europe’s rich history and shared values, making it a popular initiative among young explorers.