Are you a young European dreaming of exploring the continent for free? Well, you might be in luck as 36,319 lucky individuals aged 18 will receive a free travel pass to roam Europe, learn about its history and cultural heritage, and connect with other young explorers.
The DiscoverEU initiative, funded under the Erasmus+ programme, is responsible for distributing the free travel passes to successful applicants. If you’re wondering when these young adventurers will get to embark on their journey, it will be between March 2024 and May 2025, with rail being the primary mode of transport.
Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, Iliana Ivanova, shared her thoughts on the initiative, calling it a unique and unforgettable opportunity for everyone who has been selected. She expressed her wishes for the young adventurers, hoping that their journey across Europe will expand their perspectives, enrich their spirits, and create lasting memories at every stop.
This latest round of applications was open to young people born in 2005 in the EU Member States and Erasmus+-associated countries. The competition for the free rail passes was fierce, with a staggering 144,38 youngsters from Europe applying for the opportunity.
Spain received the highest number of applications for this round, with 33,663 18-year-olds submitting their applications. However, only 50,36 of them have been selected to participate in the programme. Other countries with high numbers of applications include Poland, Italy, Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, and Czechia.
It’s exciting to see so many young people eager to explore and connect with Europe. We can’t wait to hear about the adventures and experiences of these lucky recipients of the free travel passes. If you’re one of the fortunate ones, get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with cultural enrichment and meaningful connections.
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