EU Offers 40,000 Free Interrail Passes to Young Europeans for Schengen Anniversary

The European Commission is marking the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Area by distributing 40,000 complimentary Interrail tickets to young people across Europe. This initiative, launched under the 'DiscoverEU' programme, invites individuals born in 2007 to apply for a unique opportunity to travel throughout the continent by rail.

Applicants are required to complete a brief quiz on the European Youth Portal to be considered for selection. Successful participants will have the chance to explore Europe for up to 30 days by train, with their journeys eligible to take place between March 2026 and May 2027. In addition to the free rail passes, recipients will be provided with a discount card that can be used for a range of services including public transport, cultural events, accommodation, and other offers in 36 participating European countries.

Since its inception in 2018, the DiscoverEU programme has attracted significant interest from young Europeans. More than 1.6 million individuals have applied for the scheme, with approximately 391,000 securing a travel pass. According to data from the European Union, the programme has enabled 63 percent of its participants to experience their first international rail journey. Many of these travellers also embarked on their first trips without parental supervision, highlighting the initiative's role in fostering independence among young people.

Financial accessibility is a key aspect of DiscoverEU. Over two-thirds of previous recipients indicated that they would not have been able to afford such a journey without the support of the programme. To ensure inclusivity, the initiative offers additional support for young people with disabilities or health challenges, including the provision of travel companions where necessary.

The 40th anniversary celebration of the Schengen Area reflects the broader goals of European integration and mobility. The free Interrail passes aim to deepen young people's understanding of Europe's cultural diversity, enhance cross-border interaction, and promote the values of openness and cooperation that underpin the Schengen Agreement.

The application process for the latest round is now open and will remain available until November 13 at noon. Eligible candidates are encouraged to participate by completing the quiz on the European Youth Portal, providing them with a chance to explore Europe in a way that supports cultural exchange, personal growth, and greater European connectivity.

Through initiatives like DiscoverEU, the European Union continues to invest in fostering a sense of shared identity among its youth, providing opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. The programme not only commemorates the milestone anniversary of the Schengen Area but also helps cultivate the next generation of engaged, mobile, and internationally minded European citizens.