Enlarge image
With one ticket through Europe - the EU wants to make this possible for thousands of young people
Photo: Juergen Wiesler / EyeEm / Getty Images
Traveling is possible again in many European countries.
And for some young people, the European Union wants to create the opportunity to get to know the continent by rail: As part of the “DiscoverEU” travel program, the EU Commission awards train tickets to young Europeans.
Around 60,000 tickets are available.
Starting today, Tuesday, interested parties between the ages of 18 and 20 can apply for a ticket for two weeks (click here for the link).
The deadline ends on October 26th at 12 noon.
Between March 2022 and February 2023, those selected can then travel by train through Europe for a maximum of 30 days - as far and where they want.
Those who like to travel have to pay for their own accommodation and meals.
According to EU information, the mobile travel passes are valid for one year.
Thanks for the solidarity
"In the past 18 months, young Europeans have shown their true solidarity and have missed valuable and formative moments in their youth," said EU Commissioner Margaritis Schinas in Brussels with a view to the restrictions caused by the pandemic.
He is therefore "all the more pleased that the Commission is today boosting mobility in Europe with the 60,000 Interrail passes".
The “DiscoverEU” initiative started in 2018 and goes back to the idea of activists to give every EU citizen an Interrail ticket for their 18th birthday.
This should give young people the chance to explore their continent.
more on the subject
Psychology: "The young people often slip away from us very quickly"
Post-Corona program: Spanish young people get cultural vouchers
Psychological problems due to corona pandemic: "The effects on children and adolescents are serious"
And the response was great in the past: In the 2018/19 round, according to the EU Commission, around 350,000 people applied for a total of 70,000 available tickets.
According to this, two thirds of the participants stated that they were traveling abroad by train for the first time.
Because the last two rounds have been suspended due to the corona, 19 and 20-year-olds can also apply this year - the application is specifically possible for all Europeans born between July 1, 2001 and December 31, 2003 .
According to the EU, young people with special needs are also "expressly encouraged to take part in DiscoverEU." The Commission provides them with information and tips and covers the costs associated with special care, for example for accompanying persons or assistance dogs.
vki / dpa