Published on
January 12, 2026
Ireland Joins Austria, Germany, Finland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and Other EU Countries in Paving the Way for a Travel Revolution and Record Tourist Influx with DiscoverEU’s New Travel Pass for 18-Year-Olds. This groundbreaking initiative, launched by the European Commission, allows young travelers across Europe to explore the continent free of charge for up to 30 days, all while fostering cultural exchange and independence. With 40,000 young Europeans set to embark on journeys from March 2026 to May 2027, the DiscoverEU travel pass is not only a powerful tool for mobility but also a significant driver of tourism, enhancing connections and economic opportunities across the EU. Through this initiative, countries like Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Spain are witnessing a surge in youth travel, unlocking a new chapter in Europe’s tourism landscape.
The European Commission has just unveiled an exciting new chapter for young travelers across Europe. Through the DiscoverEU program, young Europeans now have the chance to unlock a world of possibilities, exploring the continent’s vast cultural, historical, and natural landscapes — all for free. The announcement marks a milestone in the European Union’s commitment to mobility and cross-cultural exchange. In the latest phase of the initiative, 40,000 young Europeans will receive free travel passes to explore Europe from March 2026 to May 2027, and among the most significant players are Ireland, Austria, Germany, Finland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and other European countries that will benefit from this ambitious program.
DiscoverEU: Empowering Young Europeans with a Travel Revolution
DiscoverEU is not just about free travel; it’s about opening doors for young people to immerse themselves in new cultures, meet like-minded explorers, and gain invaluable life experiences. Since its launch in 2018, the initiative has expanded in scope and impact, giving thousands of young Europeans a chance to connect with their neighbors, explore new territories, and discover Europe in a way that textbooks cannot teach.
The program is open to young people born in 2007, who are eligible to apply for a free travel pass to explore Europe via train, bus, and sometimes even ferries. These passes allow young travelers to embark on journeys lasting up to 30 days. The applicants must come from EU member states and select non-EU countries linked to Erasmus+ (like Iceland, Turkey, Serbia, and Norway).
The program represents the EU’s focus on youth mobility, aiming to foster a sense of belonging to a shared European identity by offering firsthand experience of Europe’s diversity.
How Does DiscoverEU Work?
The process of applying for a DiscoverEU travel pass is both simple and competitive. Each year, the European Commission opens two application rounds (one in spring and another in autumn). Young people can apply individually or in groups of up to 5 people through an online platform. After answering a few questions and completing a short quiz, applicants are placed in a pool, and the winners are randomly selected.
Once they win the travel pass, travelers can plan their trips, using the train network and other transport means (where applicable) to travel across European countries. In addition to the travel pass, successful applicants receive a European Youth Card, which offers discounts on transportation, accommodation, and cultural attractions throughout 36 European countries. This card makes traveling more affordable, thus allowing young travelers to extend their stay and explore even more places.
The Countries Participating in DiscoverEU
The DiscoverEU program has grown exponentially since its inception, with young people from EU and associated countries now having the chance to participate. The key beneficiaries are the young Europeans aged 18 who can travel through a variety of countries.
Eligible EU Countries:AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyLatviaLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaNetherlandsPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenNon-EU Participating Countries:IcelandLiechtensteinNorwaySerbiaTurkey
These countries are eligible under the Erasmus+ framework and have been instrumental in allowing young people from these regions to also enjoy the benefits of DiscoverEU.Why is DiscoverEU So Popular?
The scheme has become one of the most sought-after initiatives, with nearly 247,000 young people applying for the latest travel passes. Spain, for example, reported 18,000 applications from young people eager to explore the rest of Europe, proving that demand for the travel passes continues to rise year after year. The initiative is growing, and it’s no surprise that Germany received the most successful applications (nearly 7,000 winners), followed by France (5,500 winners) and Italy (4,800 winners).
For young people, the program offers a unique opportunity to experience the freedom of travel, navigate a continent with its cultural nuances and languages, and develop personal independence. It’s a rite of passage for many young Europeans, offering memories, friendships, and stories that stay with them for a lifetime.
The Impact on European Tourism
The DiscoverEU program is expected to bring about a significant boost to tourism. By providing young people with opportunities to explore new destinations across Europe, the initiative is fostering greater mobility and cultural exchange. Many cities and towns that are not typically included in traditional tourist itineraries will see an influx of young travelers, which will benefit local businesses, hotels, and restaurants.
The youth-focused tourism market is one of the fastest-growing segments within Europe’s broader tourism industry. As these young travelers explore less-visited regions, they are also contributing to more sustainable travel practices by using rail transport, which has a lower environmental impact compared to air travel.
DiscoverEU: The Path to a More Connected Europe
DiscoverEU aligns perfectly with the Schengen Area—the border-free zone that connects many European countries and allows citizens to travel freely across borders without passport checks. As the program coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement, it also reflects the EU’s broader goal of fostering a more connected, integrated Europe.
The initiative encourages young Europeans to explore beyond their own countries and to witness the rich cultural diversity that the continent has to offer. For Ireland, the introduction of the DiscoverEU travel pass is an incredible opportunity for young people to venture beyond their borders, deepening their connections with European neighbors and broadening their cultural horizons.
Which Countries Will Benefit the Most?
While all participating countries stand to gain from the influx of young travelers, the following EU countries are expected to see particularly large numbers of young people taking advantage of the DiscoverEU pass:
Germany: As the country with the highest number of pass recipients, Germany will benefit from having nearly 7,000 young travelers exploring its cities and countryside.France: The country, with its vast number of cultural landmarks, will see over 5,500 young explorers contributing to the country’s growing youth tourism sector.Italy: Known for its rich history and scenic beauty, Italy will welcome nearly 5,000 young travelers keen on experiencing everything from the Colosseum to the canals of Venice.Spain: Having attracted around 3,900 winners, Spain’s youth will contribute to the country’s already thriving tourism industry, enjoying the flexibility that the DiscoverEU pass offers.Poland: With the country’s historical sites and vibrant cities, Poland is set to benefit from an increase in young tourism with a steadily growing number of travelers.Countries Expected to See Major Gains:Finland: A major increase in young travelers exploring its northern regions.Sweden: Drawing young travelers to its cosmopolitan cities and nature.Austria: Welcoming more young Europeans keen on experiencing its Alpine landscapes.Countries and Expected Travel ImpactCountryNumber of Pass Recipients (2026)Notable ImpactGermany6,837Boost to youth tourism and local economies in urban and rural areasFrance5,540Increased tourism in cultural and historic sitesItaly4,888Greater exploration of regional landmarks and attractionsSpain3,897Significant youth tourism in cities like Barcelona, MadridPoland3,400Expansion of tourism in cities like Warsaw and KrakówSweden3,000Rising interest in nature and cultural toursFinland2,800Growth in eco-tourism and visits to natural parks
Ireland Joins Austria, Germany, Finland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and Other EU Countries in Paving the Way for a Travel Revolution and Record Tourist Influx with DiscoverEU’s New Travel Pass for 18-Year-Olds. The new initiative gives young Europeans the opportunity to travel for free across Europe, fueling cultural exchange and boosting tourism, while paving the way for a more connected and mobile generation.
DiscoverEU represents more than just free train travel; it is a catalyst for cultural exchange, economic growth, and greater connectivity within the EU. By empowering young people with the freedom to travel across Europe, the program plays a pivotal role in nurturing a more united, mobile Europe. With its growing popularity and expanding reach, Ireland, alongside other EU and associated countries, will continue to play a major role in this transformation, fostering tourism, cultural exchange, and sustainability for the next generation of European travelers.
