European metropolis Brussels distributes train passes to 36,000 18-year-olds across the continent
The European Union Commission has awarded train tickets to over 36,000 young adults, enabling travel across multiple European countries. The recipients, aged 18 and born between specific dates, hail from the 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey.
As part of the DiscoverEU program, participants can use their travel passes on trains within participating countries, with additional rules for islands and remote regions. The offer extends to discounts on hostels, trams, and museums.
The twice-yearly program saw over 150,000 applicants for the most recent round, demonstrating significant interest among young Europeans. The next round, scheduled for the fall, will be open to those born in 2007.
The DiscoverEU program offers opportunities for travel to any EU country, although specific destinations may vary based on participants' itineraries. Applicants typically submit an online application form, with selection based on eligibility and a random draw.
In the recent round, for instance, 561 Bulgarian youths were selected to participate. The frequency of tickets awarded is tied to the announced rounds of the program rather than a steady schedule.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP.
- The DiscoverEU program, which includes vocational training sessions on education-and-self-development, aims to foster a community of young Europeans who have not only experienced various lifestyles but also gained valuable education through travel across different countries.
- As part of the community policy initiatives, the European Union Commission has integrated vocational training modules within the DiscoverEU program, offering participants the chance to attend educational workshops on vocational skills during their travel periods, promoting personal growth and development alongside cultural exploration.
