PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR EUROPEAN FUNDS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ELECTORAL PROGRAMME Maltese youths selected for DiscoverEU Travel Experience

A total of 41 Maltese youths have been selected to take part in the DiscoverEU initiative, a flagship action under the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme. The initiative offers young Europeans the opportunity to travel across Europe, discover the diversity of the continent, and engage in intercultural learning experiences that contribute to personal development.

The Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, congratulated the selected participants and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to young people, stating that, “The Government remains committed to investing in our youth. Through initiatives like DiscoverEU, we are not only offering travel opportunities but empowering the next generation to contribute to a more sustainable and united Europe. These efforts are aligned with Malta’s Vision 2050, which places young people at the centre of social, economic, and environmental progress.”

DiscoverEU is open to young people aged 18, and applicants must be EU citizens. Selected participants are granted a travel pass allowing them to explore various European countries over a period of up to 30 days. In addition, they benefit from a DiscoverEU European Youth Card, which gives access to discounts and cultural activities throughout the journey.

The European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA) is the national contact point for DiscoverEU in Malta. Marvic Debono, programme manager within the EUPA Project Support Unit, said, “This will be a very valuable experience for these young people. It will help them expand their horizons, build self-confidence, and develop the skills needed to actively participate in society.”

Matthew Farrugia, one of the 18-year-olds selected for this initiative, said the same, describing this experience as one that will help them meet different people and cultures from across Europe.

DiscoverEU contributes directly to the EU’s priorities in the areas of sustainability, inclusion, and youth participation, while also supporting national strategies such as the National Youth Policy and the broader goals of lifelong learning and skills development.