Europe marks 40 years of Schengen by giving away 40,000 DiscoverEU travel passes

To mark the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement, the European Union has announced a new round of its DiscoverEU initiative, offering 40,000 free travel passes to 18-year-olds across Europe. The programme allows young people to explore the continent by train and experience the practical benefits of free movement within the Schengen area. According to the European Commission, the initiative aims to strengthen the sense of European identity and promote sustainable travel among the younger generation, reports G.Business.

DiscoverEU as part of Erasmus+

DiscoverEU forms part of the Erasmus+ programme and has become one of the EU’s most popular youth actions. Since its introduction in 2018, more than 250,000 young Europeans have travelled across the continent with free or discounted Interrail-style passes. The scheme is intended to encourage cultural exchange, independence, and mutual understanding among citizens of different member states.

Commissioner for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport, Iliana Ivanova, said the initiative symbolises what Europe represents: “openness, curiosity and shared freedom.” Each journey, she added, helps participants experience Europe beyond politics — as a common space of learning and exchange.

Application period and eligibility

The new application period opens on 30 October 2025 at 12:00 CET and closes on 13 November 2025 at 12:00 CET.
Eligible applicants must:

• be born between 1 January and 31 December 2007;
• hold citizenship or legal residence in an EU member state or an Erasmus+ associated country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, North Macedonia, Serbia or Türkiye);
• possess a valid identity card, passport or residence permit.

Applications are submitted online through the official DiscoverEU website. Candidates must also complete a short quiz about European geography, culture and history. Those achieving the best results will be awarded a travel pass.

What the DiscoverEU pass includes

Successful applicants will receive a DiscoverEU travel pass worth approximately €500, allowing up to 30 days of travel across participating countries. The travel period begins on 1 March 2026 and can be used at any time within one year.

Participants will also receive a DiscoverEU discount card offering benefits such as reduced prices for accommodation, museums, local transport and cultural events. The programme promotes the use of sustainable transport, primarily trains. For participants living on islands or in remote areas, ferries and buses may be used in justified cases.

Inclusive participation

DiscoverEU is built on the principle that every young person should have the opportunity to experience Europe, regardless of physical ability, health condition, or personal circumstance. To achieve this, the programme provides comprehensive inclusion measures for participants with disabilities or medical needs.

Applicants in this category can request tailored support, including travel companions, personal assistance, adapted transport arrangements, accessible accommodation, or financial coverage for necessary equipment. All additional expenses are covered directly by the European Commission through Erasmus+ national agencies, ensuring that no participant faces barriers due to cost or accessibility.

This commitment reflects a broader European policy goal: to make mobility and intercultural exchange genuinely universal, rather than privileges reserved for the able-bodied or economically advantaged. In the words of Commission officials, the initiative aims to demonstrate that “inclusion is not an exception within Europe — it is a fundamental right.”

Travelling alone or in groups

Participants can travel alone or form groups of up to five people. Group members must all meet the eligibility criteria and link their applications using a common code. The official DiscoverEU Facebook community enables travellers to find companions and plan routes together. National Erasmus+ agencies in each country provide guidance and organise information sessions before departure.

Practical advice for applicants

Applying for DiscoverEU is straightforward but competitive. To improve their chances, applicants should prepare early and follow several key steps. All identity documents should be valid for the entire travel period; incomplete or expired documentation can result in disqualification.

It is advisable to submit the online form as soon as the portal opens, since heavy traffic often causes technical delays near the deadline. The mandatory quiz on European culture, geography and history determines the ranking of candidates — every correct answer matters.

Successful participants from previous rounds recommend drafting a provisional travel plan before applying. This helps later when confirming routes and coordinating with other travellers. Applicants should also check their email regularlyin the weeks following the closing date, as selection results and instructions are sent exclusively by email.

Finally, it is useful to read the DiscoverEU FAQs and national Erasmus+ agency updates, which often include travel tips, orientation events, and advice on booking sustainable accommodation and transport.

A European symbol with lasting meaning

DiscoverEU is more than a travel grant. It represents a symbolic continuation of the principles that shaped modern Europe. Forty years ago, in the Luxembourg village of Schengen, five countries signed an agreement that laid the foundation for today’s border-free travel.

The programme reminds the next generation that such freedoms are the result of political will and cooperation, not coincidence. Each free pass stands for a tangible expression of shared European values — freedom of movement, cultural diversity and solidarity across borders.

The European Commission stated: “We are not only celebrating 40 years of Schengen; we are celebrating a generation that lives Europe — curious, open and united.”

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