starts again Discover the European UnionThe European Union initiative that gives young people the opportunity to travel by train for free throughout Europe. Young people, who have turned 18, will be able to apply for a railway pass from April, based on a formInterrailto travel across the continent. The ticket will be valid for a maximum of 30 days. To win the pass you have to pass a survey.
In 2022, 70,000 free tickets for youth
last year A committee announced that the program will be available 60,000 free tickets To be used in 2022, to which another 10,000 have now been added, as recently announced European Union Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Maria Gabriel. Thus, the number of young people who will be able to enjoy this experience will reach 70,000 in total.
Traveling primarily by train (there are exceptions to allow those who live on islands or remote areas to participate), young people will discover the landscapes and cities large and small of Europe. This trip will also provide an opportunity to meet other young travelers who are inspired by the same curiosity, to become more independent and self-confident to explore their European identity, explains the EU Executive speaking about the goals of this initiative.
Six other countries
In addition to increasing the number of tickets that will be distributed to the winners, the European Commission has decided to expand the list of countries accepted into Discover Eu. From this year, young people from Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey will also be able to apply.
When the European Parliament launched this initiative, it chose to focus on 18-year-olds. However, the October 2021 invitation has, exceptionally, stipulated that young people between the ages of 18 and 20 can apply, given that the two rounds scheduled for 2020 have been canceled due to the pandemic. The next round of questions will begin in April.
European Union Questionnaire
To win the free ticket, applicants must take a test with 5 multiple-choice questions regarding General knowledge of the European Union and other EU initiatives targeting young people. In order to make a fair selection of participants, a specified number of travel passes are allotted to each country based on its population and in proportion to the total population of the Federation. The European Commission – reads the portal – ranks the participants on the basis of citizenship and according to their answers to the test and to the qualifying question. If several applications (by individuals or groups) achieve the same result over the threshold imposed by the flat fee, the European Commission will apply the principle of “first come first serve” as a last resort to determine the last winners.
Traveling alone or in a group
To participate in the initiative, people over the age of 18 must apply to Discover the EU program portalWhen will the application period start? Participants can travel alone or in a group of up to 5 people. If you decide to travel in a group, you must designate a group leader who completes the application form and answers the test and match question before applying. Upon placing the order, the group leader receives a token which he must present to other group members. Using the code provided by the group leader, others can register online and fill in their personal details. In order to participate, all group members must be 18 years old. Commissioner Gabriel emphasized that one of the goals of the program is inclusion. For this reason, children with disabilities or health problems will be able to bring a companion with them to help them on the trip.
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