Young Europeans who wish to embark on an interrail across Europe can apply to the 60,000 train tickets the European Commission is giving away.
1. Free tickets
Since 12 October, Europeans aged 18 to 20 years can apply to a free travel rail pass. The selection process will be running until 26 October at noon, for a travel period in 2022 — the European Year of Youth. The number of allocated passes per member state will be based on its population, as a proportion of the overall population of the EU.
This application round is valid for young Europeans born between 1 July 2001 and 31 December 2003. Exceptionally, 19 and 20 year-olds can also apply after their rounds were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Commission said. Successful applicants can travel between March 2022 and February 2023 for up to 30 days.
In light of the unpredictability caused by Covid-19, the Commission informed that all travellers will be offered flexible bookings.
“Over the past 18 months, in a true spirit of solidarity, our young people have sacrificed valuable youthful and defining moments of their lives. I am delighted that the Commission offers today a European boom of mobility with the 60,000 train passes,” said Vice-President for the European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas.
2. DiscoverEU
The free 60,000 tickets are part of the DiscoverEU, an initiative of the European Union launched in June 2018 which gives 18-year-olds the opportunity to travel around Europe. By travelling mainly by rail — there are exceptions to allow those living on islands or in remote areas to take part — young people discover Europe’s stunning landscapes and its endless variety of cities and towns.
To reinforce sustainable travel — and support the European Green Deal — youth travelling under the DiscoverEU programme will predominantly travel by rail.
“I am glad to open this new round of DiscoverEU to give 60,000 young people the chance to discover the richness of our continent,” said Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel.
