The European Commission has announced a new edition of the DiscoverEU programme, which will provide tickets for free travel in Europe. The period will be open from October 11 to 25.

The countdown to the new edition of DiscoverEU has therefore begun. An initiative by the European Commission that gives travel vouchers to 18-year-olds to help them get to know the countries that make up the European Union.

Next opening of DiscoverEU 2023

The program is aimed at young people born between January 1 and December 31, 2004.

Through DiscoverEU, since its launch in June 2018, more than 130,000 young Europeans have seen the opportunity to fulfill their dream, through a free trip to various European countries.

Travel, not just by train

Most of the journey will be by rail. However, to give young people access to as many places as possible, the free travel vouchers will also include alternative means of transport, such as bus or ferry.

Also, when there is no other means of transport, air travel will be allowed, so young people living in remote areas or islands will also have the opportunity to participate in this new edition.

Trips must last between 1 and 30 days, and must start in a country that is a member of the European Union.

How to apply for an Interrail ticket to travel for free in Europe?

In order to be accepted in this program, it is necessary to be 18 years old, as well as to be a citizen of one of the member states of the European Union, at the time of making the award decision.

Selected candidates will become DiscoverEU Travel Ambassadors. They will be able to share their travel experiences through social networks such as Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, using the hashtag #DiscoverEU.

Travel in Europe with friends

In the previous edition, almost 30,000 young people received a travel voucher and embarked on a travel adventure alone or with a group of friends. And DiscoverEU lets you add up to four friends to your travel group, as well as organize a meeting and combine travel plans with other program participants.

DiscoverEU FAQs

The European Commission answers the most frequently asked questions about this program:

• Why is it only aimed at 18 year olds?
  In launching this initiative, the European Parliament decided to focus on young people who have turned 18, the age that marks an important milestone in the life of adults and means acquiring European citizenship.
   
• What is the European Commission's aim with DiscoverEU participants?
  The European Commission wants to know the impressions of young travelers and encourages them to share their experiences and adventures. Therefore, once selected, all participants will become DiscoverEU ambassadors. They will be asked to make a presentation via social media (Instagram, Facebook or Twitter) or at their local learning center or community.
   
• How is the selection of participants?
  Candidates must answer five multiple choice questions and one supporting question. Based on the answers, the European Commission will classify the applicants according to their nationality. Young people with special needs (reduced mobility, visual impairment...) will have the right to receive the appropriate additional support.
   
• How many countries can be visited with DiscoverEU?
  ​You have two options:
  • Fixed option: the number of destinations is limited to two countries or two cities within the same country.
  • Flexible choice: there is no limit on the number of countries. On the other hand, the number of travel days is limited. For example, although you can stay abroad for up to a month, you can only travel (eg by train) for a certain number of days in that month.