The European Commission has announced the results of the latest DiscoverEU round, awarding more than 40,000 free Interrail-style passes to 18-year-olds, including thousands of applicants resident in Italy. Successful candidates—born in 2007—can travel for up to 30 days anywhere in the EU between 1 March 2026 and 31 May 2027.
Although DiscoverEU is primarily a youth-mobility programme, it has indirect value for the corporate talent pipeline. Alumni surveys show that 68 % of Italian participants later study or work abroad, creating a pool of internationally experienced graduates prized by multinational employers. The Commission marked the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement by expanding the allocation from 30,000 to 40,000 passes and adding a digital discount card covering hostels, museums and local transport.
For travellers who want to tag on a quick hop to non-EU neighbours such as the United Kingdom, Türkiye or Morocco during their month on the rails, VisaHQ can take the headache out of extra paperwork. The company’s Italian portal (https://www.visahq.com/italy/) walks applicants through every step—from up-to-date entry rules to document collection and courier options—so side trips remain spontaneous without becoming administratively messy.
![40,000 Italian 18-year-olds win DiscoverEU rail passes in Schengen 40th-anniversary edition]()
The initiative continues to underscore Europe’s commitment to free movement at a time when the bloc is tightening external-border controls through the new Entry/Exit System (EES). Italian rail operator Trenitalia has confirmed it will honour the passes on high-speed Frecciarossa services, although seat reservations remain mandatory and cost €10 per segment.
Parents’ associations have welcomed the news but urged clearer guidance on travel insurance and safeguarding, given recent spikes in petty crime on certain tourist routes. Meanwhile, regional tourism boards expect a modest off-season boost as pass-holders tend to travel in shoulder months to avoid crowds and reduce costs.
Companies running early-career recruitment schemes may consider aligning internship calendars with the DiscoverEU travel window, offering candidates flexibility to combine work experience with pan-European exploration.
Although DiscoverEU is primarily a youth-mobility programme, it has indirect value for the corporate talent pipeline. Alumni surveys show that 68 % of Italian participants later study or work abroad, creating a pool of internationally experienced graduates prized by multinational employers. The Commission marked the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement by expanding the allocation from 30,000 to 40,000 passes and adding a digital discount card covering hostels, museums and local transport.
For travellers who want to tag on a quick hop to non-EU neighbours such as the United Kingdom, Türkiye or Morocco during their month on the rails, VisaHQ can take the headache out of extra paperwork. The company’s Italian portal (https://www.visahq.com/italy/) walks applicants through every step—from up-to-date entry rules to document collection and courier options—so side trips remain spontaneous without becoming administratively messy.
The initiative continues to underscore Europe’s commitment to free movement at a time when the bloc is tightening external-border controls through the new Entry/Exit System (EES). Italian rail operator Trenitalia has confirmed it will honour the passes on high-speed Frecciarossa services, although seat reservations remain mandatory and cost €10 per segment.
Parents’ associations have welcomed the news but urged clearer guidance on travel insurance and safeguarding, given recent spikes in petty crime on certain tourist routes. Meanwhile, regional tourism boards expect a modest off-season boost as pass-holders tend to travel in shoulder months to avoid crowds and reduce costs.
Companies running early-career recruitment schemes may consider aligning internship calendars with the DiscoverEU travel window, offering candidates flexibility to combine work experience with pan-European exploration.
