A new opportunity for approximately 40,000 young people, both men and women, aged 18 from all over Europe to travel, experience European culture, and connect with peers from different countries is offered by DiscoverEU, as part of the Erasmus+ program.
According to an announcement from the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programs, the new application round for DiscoverEU will take place from Thursday, October 1, through Thursday, October 15, 2026, with the application platform opening and closing at 1:00 p.m. Cyprus time.
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As part of the fall round, the European Commission and the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) plan to award DiscoverEU travel passes and discount cards to approximately 40,000 young people.
DiscoverEU is an Erasmus+ initiative that enables 18-year-olds to travel throughout Europe, primarily by train, discovering its cultural heritage and history, learning about its diversity, and expanding their connections with young people from other European countries.
Young people born between January 1 and December 31, 2008, who are citizens or legal residents of a European Union member stateor another eligible country or territory participating in DiscoverEU.
When submitting their application online, they must also provide the number of their identity card, passport, or residence permit.
Applicants may apply either individually or as a group of up to five people. In the case of a group application, all members of the group must meet the eligibility criteria.
As part of the selection process, applicants are asked to answer five multiple-choice questions about the European Union and other European initiatives for young people, as well as one supplementary question. For group applications, the team leader answers the quiz and the supplementary question.
The young people who are selected will have the opportunity to travel by train in Europe for up to seven days within a 30-day period.
Trips may take place from March 1, 2027, through May 31, 2028.
In addition, participants will receive the DiscoverEU discount card, which offers discounts on accommodations, local transportation, meals, as well as cultural, educational, and sports activities in countries participating in Erasmus+.
The primary mode of transportation for this program is the train, with the aim of encouraging more sustainable forms of travel. Where rail travel is not feasible, other modes of transportation may be used.
Selected participants residing in Cyprus may travel by air to and from mainland Europe.
The round-trip ticket is arranged by the project contractor, and, as noted, participants will not need to purchase the relevant airline tickets themselves.
In addition, DiscoverEU provides additional support for young people with disabilities, reduced mobility, or special needs, so that they can participate in the travel experience with the necessary accommodations.
Applications will be submitted exclusively online through the European Youth Portal, from October 1 to 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Cyprus time.
Results are expected to be announced in January 2027.
Source: CNA
