Paris, 12 June 2023 (TDI): The government of France has unveiled an exciting initiative. The President of the French Republic and the Federal Chancellor of Germany jointly announced the creation of a train pass that will enable young people from both countries to travel freely between them.
🇫🇷🇩🇪🇪🇺 The government has announced 60,000 train passes for free unlimited travel for young people in Germany and France.
Our statement: https://t.co/Xz9C6nCW7F
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— France Diplomacy🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@francediplo_EN) June 12, 2023
The initiative, known as the France-Germany Pass, was officially launched today by Clement Beaune, Minister Delegate for Transport, and his German counterpart, Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport.
The pass will be available to all young people aged 18 to 27, granting them the opportunity to travel to Germany from 1 July to 31 December and enjoy seven days of unlimited travel on Germany’s rail network.
Who will benefit from pass?
A total of 30,000 passes will be distributed to French youth, while an equal number will be given to young people from Germany.
The France-Germany Pass is not limited to a specific itinerary or travel dates, allowing individuals the freedom to explore Germany, experience its culture, and engage with its young population.
Starting Monday, the French and German governments, with the support of SNCF and DB, will give away 60,000 France-Germany Passes through the official website.
Of the total passes, 15,000 will be allocated on a “first come, first served” basis in France. The remaining 15,000 will be distributed to targeted eligible groups, including scholarship holders, apprentices, and young people facing fewer opportunities.
The special allocation of 5,000 passes will be awarded to scholarship holders to ensure equal opportunities.
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Government officials have expressed their enthusiasm for this initiative and its significance in promoting European unity and cultural exchange. Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of bringing the French and German peoples closer together on the 60th anniversary of reconciliation between the two countries.
The France-Germany Pass has garnered support from various ministries. Sylvie Retailleau, Minister of Higher Education and Research, highlighted the value of European travel experiences for French youth.
Carole Grandjean, Minister Delegate for Vocational Education and Training, emphasized the pass’s potential to strengthen ties and enhance mutual understanding between France and Germany.
Clément Beaune, Minister Delegate for Transport, celebrated the France-Germany Pass as a means to promote train travel and foster Franco-German friendship. He encouraged all eligible young people to seize the opportunity and register for their passes promptly.
