36,319 young Europeans, all aged 18, have been granted a coveted free travel pass that unlocks the doors to an immersive European journey. This pass allows them to delve into the continent's rich history and cultural heritage and forge connections with fellow youthful explorers from various corners of Europe.

The DiscoverEU Initiative

The bestowal of these remarkable travel passes is orchestrated through the intricacies of the DiscoverEU initiative, a program generously funded under the auspices of the Erasmus+ program. The momentous news of their selection has already reached the fortunate recipients, as reported by SchengenVisaInfo.com.

These fortunate recipients of the DiscoverEU October edition will embark on their European odyssey between March 2024 and May 2025. The railways will serve as the primary conduit for these young adventurers, facilitating a deep dive into the diverse tapestry of Europe.

In her reflections on this laudable initiative, Commissioner Iliana Ivanova, responsible for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, expressed her enthusiasm, stating that DiscoverEU presents an unparalleled opportunity for those fortunate enough to be selected.

Commissioner Ivanova remarked, "DiscoverEU is a unique opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey across Europe, where each stop creates new relationships and highlights Europe's multifaceted beauty."

Commissioner Ivanova went on to underscore the transformative nature of this journey, offering her well-wishes to all participants. She eloquently said, "To all the young adventurers stepping into this remarkable journey: may every location expand your perspectives, every interaction enrich your spirit, and every encounter leave a lasting memory!"

The Selection Process

This application round for DiscoverEU extended an invitation to young individuals born between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2005, hailing from the European Union Member States and Erasmus+-associated countries.

The staggering numbers reveal that the competition for these coveted free rail passes was nothing short of fierce, with 144,380 young Europeans vying for this unparalleled opportunity. Young Spaniards displayed the most enthusiastic response, with a staggering 33,663 applications from 18-year-olds in Spain. Out of these, 50,036 were selected to partake in this transformative program.

Other European nations also demonstrated a genuine interest, with high applications emanating from Poland, Italy, Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, and Czechia. The statistics speak for themselves, with 19,039 applications from Poland, 18,825 from Italy, 15,566 from 

Germany, 5,793 from France, 4,918 from Austria, 2,943 from Belgium, and 2,178 from Czechia.

However, the stringent selection process meant that only a limited number emerged victors. According to the Commission's records, a total of 5,036 youngsters from Spain, 3,974 from Poland, 5,906 from Germany, 5,793 from France, 938 from Austria, 1,190 from Belgium, and 1,100 from Czechia were bestowed with the coveted free rail passes.

FAQs

What is the DiscoverEU initiative?

DiscoverEU is an initiative funded under the Erasmus+ program that provides young Europeans free rail passes to explore Europe and discover its rich history and culture.

Who is eligible to apply for DiscoverEU?

Young individuals born between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2005, from European Union Member States and Erasmus+-associated countries are eligible to apply.

How were the recipients selected?

Recipients were selected through a competitive application process, with thousands of young Europeans vying for the limited number of free rail passes.