36,318 18-year-old Europeans will receive a free travel pass “to explore Europe’s diversity, learn about its cultural heritage and history, and connect with people from all over the continent”. This is thanks to the DiscoverEU initiative, funded under the Erasmus+ programme. Successful applicants in the DiscoverEU October 2023 round are receiving the news today and will travel mainly by rail between March 2024 and May 2025. Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Iliana Ivanova said: “DiscoverEU is a unique opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey across Europe, where each stop creates new relationships and highlights Europe’s multifaceted beauty. To all the young adventurers stepping into this remarkable journey: may every location expand your perspectives, every interaction enrich your spirit, and every encounter leave a lasting memory!”. This application round of DiscoverEU was open to young people born between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2005 from EU Member States as well as from Erasmus+ associated countries. In total, 144,038 young people had applied in this round.