Interrail – the service which allows unlimited rail travel across Europe – has teamed with the European Union (EU) to offer 15,000 young people aged 18 a free pass to experience the continent's diversity.

Called DiscoverEU, the offer is in recognition of the European Year of Cultural Heritage, which is a series of initiatives and events across Europe to enable people to become closer to, and more involved with, their cultural heritage.

Taking place through the summer, the €12m (US$14m, £10.5m) pilot project is based on a proposal from the European Parliament to give free rail passes to youngsters turning 18. The EU says the pilot will provide young people with a "European identity", reinforcing common European values, and promoting the discovery of European sites and cultures.

"The initiative gained the strongest support of the whole Interrail community, and we are now excited to see DiscoverEU come in to fruition," said Carlo Boselli, general manager for Eurail Group, which managed Interrail.

"Often a teenager's first taste of independent travel, Interrail has brought many generations of young Europeans together to discover what makes Europe so special and the commonalities that bring us together."

Launched in 1972 as a European train pass for youth, Interrail is now available for all ages for through 30 different European countries. Last year, more than 280,000 Interrail passes were issued to European residents, with the most popular destinations including Vienna, Hamburg, Berlin, Prague and Budapest.