In June 2018 the European Commission is selecting up to 15.000 enthusiastic young people to be the lucky recipients of a travel pass to discover Europe.

Travelling is a chance for young people to take advantage of our freedom of movement, to discover the diversity of Europe, enjoy its cultural richness, and make new friends from all over the continent. Ultimately, it’s also a great opportunity to discover yourself.

With 2018 being the European Year of Cultural Heritage, consider yourself particularly lucky. It means that you will also have the opportunity to participate in the many events that are taking place this year all over Europe to celebrate our fantastically diverse cultural heritage.

Applicants must be 18 years old (and not yet 19) at the time of application and have the nationality of one of the EU countries. You can travel up to maximum 30 days and visit up to 4 different country destinations. Moreover, there is the possibility to travel either individually or as a group.

For the most part you will travel by rail. Travel scenery on European trains can be stunning. It provides an ever-changing, endlessly entertaining variety of towns and landscapes that help you discover and better understand the diversity of Europe.

In order to ensure the widest possible access, the travel pass will also offer, where necessary, alternative modes of transport including buses or ferries, taking into account environmental, time and distance considerations. In exceptional cases and when no other transport means are available, travel by plane will be permitted.

Those interested need to apply in June 2018 over a two week period (details to be released soon). Final selection will be carried out via the European Youth Portal, where applicants will be asked to complete an online application form and enter the competition.

Once selected, participants need to commence their travel experience between July and end of September 2018. Please note that the Commission will only cover the travel pass.  Accommodation, subsistence or other expenses related to the trip shall be covered by the participants.

Are you 18 years old, a European citizen and ready to discover more of Europe? Or know someone else who is 18 years and would enjoy travelling across the EU? Then keep an eye on the European Youth Portal.

More information on the rules and guidelines of the initiative will be published in May 2018 on the section “travelling” of the European Youth Portal. Information will also be disseminated through the European Youth Facebook page and the European Youth twitter account.

Visit also Eurodesk UK website for more information on a range of topics as well as news, opportunities and events relevant for the UK.