The European Union is now distributing 40,000 free train tickets across Europe.
The European Commission announced the distribution of 40,000 free train tickets to young people across Europe, as part of an initiative aimed at encouraging travel and cultural exchange among European youth. The announcement came on Thursday in Brussels, where the Commission invited everyone born in 2007 to apply for a chance to explore the European continent by train.
Winners will be able to travel for free across EU countries between March and May next year, giving them the opportunity to discover new cities, cultures, and peoples. This initiative is part of the ongoing DiscoverEU program, which aims to promote a shared European identity through travel and cultural experiences.
In addition to free travel, winners will also receive discounts at youth hostels, public transport, and museums, making it easier for them to explore Europe on a budget. These tickets are distributed twice a year and are available to young people from all EU countries, as well as countries participating in the Erasmus+ exchange program.
Applications must be submitted online through the European Youth Portal, with the deadline for submission being November 13. Applicants must meet the specified age criteria, and winners will be selected based on a short quiz about European culture and geography.
This program is considered one of the most popular youth initiatives in the European Union, as it gives thousands of young people the opportunity to connect and discover European diversity and unity up close — all through the train.