In December 2023, the first meeting of the Rail Baltic Estonia youth community took place. Its aim was to bring together inspiring young people who support the international railway project and are eager to contribute to the creation of a fast, convenient, environmentally friendly, and safe transport connection with Europe.
All open-minded and proactive young people are welcome to join our youth community via the Facebook group “RB YOUTH“.
We organize various exciting events throughout the year, focusing on networking, exploring specific topics or fields, and jointly planning upcoming initiatives.
As of today, RB Youth Community has:
visited the Rail Baltic Estonia office and learned about the work, leadership, and activities behind Rail Baltica;
participated in the TalTech railway model building competition“Rööpameister“;
participated now two years in a row in the youth panel of the Rail Baltica International Mobility Conference;
helped out at the safety tent of Operation Lifesaver Estonia (OLE) during the 100th anniversary of the electric railway.
First meeting of RB Youth Community in December 2023. Photo: Kelly Koort
In order to promote an environmentally conscious mindset among young people and make exciting railway-related activities possible, it is essential to bring together like-minded individuals. That’s exactly why the Rail Baltica youth community was created.
If you know someone in your circle of friends who might be a great fit for the RB Youth community, don’t hesitate to tell them about us!
From left: Hannes Hermaküla, Aaron Torm Peebo, Kristian Pärt, at the Rail Baltica Mobility Conference in May 2024.
For Rail Baltic Estonia, involving young people in the railway project is important for several reasons:
Young people are not only the shapers of the future but also the future users of Rail Baltica;
Their involvement helps ensure the project meets the needs and expectations of future generations;
Youth bring innovative ideas and creative approaches to the project;
Engaging young people fosters broader public support and strengthens community connections;
Young people understand the impact of climate change and want to be part of the solutions to environmental challenges, contributing to a more sustainable future;
They are interested in waste management and the circular economy and bring forward innovative solutions;
Their love for travel and the environment boosts support for railways and sustainable transport!
RBE environmental expert Tanika Ojasild (left) presenting the environmental-friendly railway project at Europe Day 2023. Photo: Kelly Koort.
Young Rail Baltica enthusiasts at the Europe Day 2022. Photo by Kelly Koort
DiscoverEU stipendium – what, how and to whom?
In 2018, an exciting initiative called DiscoverEU was launched under the Erasmus+ programme, giving 18-year-olds the opportunity to discover Europe by train.
To win a free travel pass, young people must participate in a competition held twice a year—in spring and autumn—through the European Youth Portal. Each country is allocated a specific number of rail passes, which allow travel across nearly 30 European countries participating in the programme. All 18-year-old EU citizens are eligible to apply, and they can plan a trip lasting from one day up to one month. Participants can travel solo or bring along up to four friends.
In addition to the travel pass, young people also receive a discount card that helps reduce the cost of food, accommodation, local transport, culture, sports, and other expenses.
The free travel pass offers the chance to explore Europe by train, discover cultural heritage, experience new things, practice languages, and meet people from different backgrounds. Whether alone or with friends, it’s a journey toward a dream adventure.
Since 2022, Rail Baltic Estonia has also supported the DiscoverEU programme by awarding five young people each summer—after the second application round—with a €500 travel grant to help cover accommodation, food, and other travel expenses.
Note! If you’ve received the great news that you’ve won a DiscoverEU travel pass, keep an eye on your inbox and on Rail Baltic Estonia’s social media channels in May—you might get the chance to apply for the RBE travel grant as well!
Rail Baltic Estonia DiscoverEU programme fellows for 2022-2024. Photos: private collection.
Since 2018, almost 165 000 young Europeans have received an Interrail pass.
Youth campaign “THE FUTURE IN TRAIN“
In November 2024, Rail Baltic Estonia and Millenzials—led by Artjom Savitski and Kris Lüüs (also known by his stage name Krispoiss) – launched a youth campaign called “Future in Train”, aimed at inspiring young people to envision the future of Rail Baltica trains.
The campaign encouraged youth to reflect on the future of transport and infrastructure, to express their creativity and technological skills, and to see Rail Baltica as a forward-looking, comfortable, safe, and innovative infrastructure project.
Participants were invited to visualize both the interior and exterior of a future train, using various design tools – including the use of artificial intelligence. Submissions had to be in photo format, accompanied by a short description explaining the design choices and how the imagined train meets the needs of future users while supporting the Rail Baltica identity.
In total, 41 entries were submitted, of which 36 met the criteria and advanced to the final voting round. The works were evaluated in three categories, with both a jury and the public having a say in selecting the winners.
The campaign was sponsored by Wasa Resort, which awarded two spa packages for two people to the favorites of both Rail Baltic Estonia and the public. In addition, all winners received a €150 gift card to shop at Ballzy, the largest premium sneaker and streetwear store in Northern Europe.
