That’s a damn good birthday present.
Irish teenagers could be set to benefit from a free Interrail pass for their 18th birthday in a new proposal due to be discussed in the European Parliament next week.
The proposal, which is being led by Leader of the European People’s Party (EPP) Manfred Weber, would see the European Commission introduce free Interrail passes for EU citizens on their 18th birthday.
#Interrail-ticket for all 18 years old Europeans. I will tout for this in the @Europarl_EN. pic.twitter.com/argaswwcjo
— Manfred Weber (@ManfredWeber) September 18, 2016
The programme would be funded by the European Commission in co-operation with Member States and rail companies and in Weber’s words, would allow young EU citizens to “discover the beauty and diversity of Europe.”
Step by step towards a free #InterRail ticket for your 18th birthday: @EPPGroup will put this proposal on the @Europarl_EN agenda next week pic.twitter.com/tBj6wpugVw
— Manfred Weber (@ManfredWeber) September 28, 2016
Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes has got behind the proposal, releasing a statement on Thursday which read: “I fully support the initiative proposed by the EPP, the group Fine Gael is affiliated to in the European Parliament.
“The EU have introduced many programmes which have benefited young people such as Erasmus +. The ‘18th Birthday Interrail Pass for Europe’ program is another way that young people could benefit from the European Union and at the same time promote tourism and enhance social cohesion.
“It will also allow young people learn about other countries, make new friends and discover new opportunities.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
