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European Rail Renaissance
European railways are experiencing their highest passenger numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. According to Eurostat, EU rail transport reached 429 billion passenger-kilometers in 2023 - an 11.2% increase from 2022 and nearly double 2020 levels. Germany's Deutsche Bahn reported 2024 as its strongest year for long-distance travel with 22% growth compared to pre-pandemic levels.
National Initiatives Fuel Growth
France saw record train usage for the third consecutive year in 2024, with 6% more passengers. Spain's Verano Joven program offers 18-30 year olds discounts of 50-90% on trains. These initiatives complement the EU's DiscoverEU program, which has distributed 391,000 free rail passes since 2018.
DiscoverEU: Europe on Rails
DiscoverEU provides free rail travel passes to 18-year-old EU citizens and legal residents through the Erasmus+ programme. The initiative includes:
- Two application periods annually (spring/autumn)
- DiscoverEU Youth Card offering discounts in 36 countries
- Pre-departure events and networking opportunities
In the April 2025 round, 35,753 young Europeans were selected from 156,516 applicants. Germany had the highest participation (6,143), followed by France (4,977), Italy (4,394), and Spain (3,501).
Political Support
"Projects like these make Europe part of our identity," stated Austrian Europe Minister Claudia Plakolm. EU Commissioner Glenn Micallef added: "This isn't just a trip - it's a life-changing journey where every new face adds to your story."
Cross-Border Challenges
Despite growing popularity, cross-border rail travel faces obstacles:
- Separate ticket requirements for international journeys
- Incompatible power/signaling systems at borders
- Language barriers for train crews
The European Commission plans legislation for "uniform digital booking and ticketing services" by 2026. European railways are implementing the Open Sales and Distribution Model (OSDM), with full connectivity expected by late 2026.
The Future of Rail
As Austrian MEPs noted: "The future of European mobility lies on the rails." With youth engagement through DiscoverEU and upcoming infrastructure improvements, rail is positioned as Europe's sustainable transport backbone.
