Today, the European Commission opens applications for a new DiscoverEU round, offering thousands of young people aged 18 the chance to explore Europe by train and for free. The call will close on 22 April 2026, ahead of the European Youth Week 2026. A total of 40,000 travel passes are available. Winners will be able to board the train for up to 30 days between 1 July 2026 and 30 September 2027. Young people born between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008 can apply by completing a quiz with five questions about the EU and one additional question on the European Youth Portal. The Commission will offer travel passes to applicants following their ranking, up to the limit of available tickets. “Ticket holders can plan their own routes or be inspired by suggested ones, such as the DiscoverEU Culture Route, which combines various cultural destinations with a focus on architecture, music, fine art, theatre, fashion and design”, the Commission explains. In addition to the travel pass, participants will receive a discount card with tens of thousands of discounts on public transport, culture, accommodation, food, sports and other services in eligible countries. DiscoverEU provides participants with disabilities, health conditions or from low socio-economic backgrounds with additional support. While DiscoverEU encourages sustainable travel by rail, special arrangements are available for young people from islands and outermost regions.