European Union to distribute 41,000 free DiscoverEU train tickets

The European Union is launching a new round of the DiscoverEU initiative, offering 41,000 free train tickets to young people. Applications will be open online from October 1 to October 15, 2026.

To qualify, applicants must be 18-year-olds born between January 1 and December 31, 2008. Eligible candidates include citizens or residents of the 27 EU member states, as well as individuals from countries participating in the Erasmus+ program, such as North Macedonia, Serbia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Turkey. Applicants must complete a short quiz regarding the EU and youth initiatives.

Successful candidates will receive rail passes allowing for up to seven days of travel within a one-month period. These trips can be taken between March 1, 2027, and May 31, 2028. The initiative, part of the Erasmus+ program, aims to help youth explore European diversity, heritage, and history. Notably, the United Kingdom is expected to rejoin the program in 2027.