Free European Travel for Ukrainian Youth Begins in 2027

DiscoverEU Program Expands to Include Ukraine

According to Міністерство інфраструктури: The European Commission has decided to extend the DiscoverEU initiative to Ukraine. Starting in 2027, 18-year-olds will be able to travel across European Union countries. Each year, approximately 1,200 Ukrainians will have the chance to participate in this program, which is part of the broader Erasmus+ framework. Participant selection will occur twice annually-once in the spring and once in the fall. The first selection round is scheduled for March 2027, and a Help Desk providing informational support will launch in January 2027.

What the Program Offers

DiscoverEU provides young people with free rail passes for traveling across Europe, allowing participants up to one month of travel. In addition to the rail pass, participants will also benefit from:

• 7 days of free transport;
• discounts on museum entries;
• access to cultural events;
• accommodation deals and other perks.

The decision to expand the program was made possible following a request from Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba to European Commissioner Marta Kos and the relevant Directorate-General of the European Commission.

Oleksiy Kuleba stated: 'European integration is not just about negotiation chapters and legal alignment. It is also about creating new opportunities for Ukrainians. We are working to ensure that Ukrainian youth become part of the European educational, cultural, and social space even today. Expanding the DiscoverEU program to Ukraine is an investment in the generation that will rebuild and develop our country after victory.'

As a result, this program represents a significant step in fostering the integration of Ukrainian youth into European society.

The inclusion of Ukraine in the DiscoverEU program marks a major advancement in deepening cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union. It offers young Ukrainians a unique chance to explore the cultures and education systems of other European nations, which can enhance their personal and professional growth. This initiative also underscores Ukraine's commitment to European integration and to creating new opportunities for its youth-a critical factor in the country's social and economic recovery.