DiscoverEU is back! The European Commission is giving away 35,500 train tickets
The adventure goes into the next round: On 2 April, the European Commission launches the new application round for DiscoverEU. In this European initiative, young people can win one of a total of 35,500 free travel tickets. The OeAD, Austria's national agency for the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes, is implementing the campaign in Austria.
‘This year we are celebrating 30 years of Austria in the EU and young people also have the chance to spend 30 days travelling through Europe for free in this anniversary year. There is no better way to experience Europe than with an Interrail ticket. With projects like these, Europe is not just a spot on the map, it becomes part of our identity. It's a great way to get to know other people and cultures and at the same time be an ambassador for our Austrian culture,’ says Minister for Europe Claudia Plakolm.
Which young people can take part?
Young people born between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007 can take part. The competition is aimed at young people from the European Union and from countries associated with the Erasmus+ programme, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Turkey. A quiz with questions about the EU has to be answered on the European Youth Portal. Successful applicants will receive a train ticket to travel around Europe for up to 30 days between 1 July 2025 and 30 September 2026.
More than just a journey
‘Young people benefit enormously from this initiative, because they not only broaden their horizons, but also develop personally: according to a recent survey by the European Commission 2024 among returning travellers from all countries, two thirds said it was the first time they had travelled abroad by train. For many, it was also the first time they had travelled without parents or companions and reported that they felt more independent as a result,’ says OeAD Managing Director Jakob Calice.
Participants not only receive a ticket, but also a discount card with tens of thousands of discounts on public transport, culture, accommodation, catering, sports and other services in 36 countries across Europe. In addition, the national Erasmus+ agencies organise pre-departure information events, post-trip evaluation meetings and meet-ups during the trip. Two meet-ups will take place in Austria in summer 2025: There will be a meet-up in Vienna from 20 to 22 June and one in the Salzkammergut region from 22 to 25 July.
Inclusion is at the heart of the Erasmus+ programme
Participants with social, economic, cultural, geographical, health or other barriers who are selected as part of the biannual calls for proposals receive support for their trip. Furthermore, organisations working with disadvantaged young people can apply for additional funding as part of the DiscoverEU inclusion projects. This action offers targeted support to participants, e.g. in the form of additional funding beyond travel tickets, as well as the opportunity to travel with accompanying persons.
Since the first call for proposals since October 2022, the Erasmus+ National Agencies have approved more than 470 projects and more than 3,100 young people have been able to complete their trip. Every year there are two calls under DiscoverEU Inclusion. The next deadline for projects starting between 1 March and 31 August 2026 is 1 October 2025 at 12:00 (CET).
Background
The European Commission launched DiscoverEU in 2018 following a preparatory action by the European Parliament. The initiative is part of the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme and since then more than 1.5 million people have applied for the 355,000 travel tickets available. The DiscoverEU experience enables young people to better understand other cultures, experience European history and improve their foreign language skills.
How to apply
Applications are open from 2 April at 12:00 CET until Wednesday 16 April at 12:00 CET and can be submitted via the European Youth Portal.
Further links
