Schengen Accord's Representative Vehicle Arriving in Luxembourg Soon - Schengen Agreement's Upcoming Docking in Luxembourg
The Renovated Schengen Ship Returns to Europe
The Schengen Agreement's historic vessel, the "Princess Marie-Astrid Europa," is set to return to Luxembourg after undergoing comprehensive renovations and modernization. On June 6, the ship, now fully restored, will depart from the Niederkassel shipyard near Bonn, following an announcement by the Luxembourg Ministry of the Economy to the German Press Agency.
The vessel's homecoming is timed for the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement's signing, on June 14. The ship is expected to arrive at the Moselle town of Schengen, where it was initially moored for the agreement's inception, with a ceremonial welcome planned in the village. Notable attendees will include Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, along with several politicians, Princess Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg, and Archduke Carl Christian of Austria.
Originally named in honor of Princess Marie-Astrid, the ship was previously a passenger ship on the Danube until its purchase and restoration by Luxembourg in 2021. After its arrival in June, it will be permanently docked at the European Museum Schengen, hosting an exhibition on board. The museum and the historical pier to moor the ship are slated to reopen on the same anniversary day.
The project, including renovation, exhibition, and new pier, is estimated to cost around 17.7 million euros. The refurbished European Museum Schengen will serve as a new immersive exhibition focusing on borders, freedom, and integration, with the ship serving as a central element.
The return of the Schengen ship comes amid ongoing criticism regarding border controls. Germany has reintroduced controls at all external borders since mid-September 2024 and particularly in the tri-border area with Luxembourg. Approximately 50,000 German border commuters work in Luxembourg, which recently filed an objection with the EU Commission against the extension of controls.
[1] Source: European Museum Schengen (Link unavailable)
- The renovated "Princess Marie-Astrid Europa," a symbol of the Schengen Agreement, will feature an employment policy focused on education and self-development, as part of the new immersive exhibition at the European Museum Schengen.
- In line with the science sector, the museum will also have a section dedicated to understanding medical-conditions and their impacts on cross-border lifestyles.
- The refurbished ship will also implement a general news section, covering stories related to the Schengen Agreement, politics, and international relations.
- As for finance, the employment policy on board will provide insights into the economic aspects of working in Europe, including details about specific sectors, such as sports and technology.
- For updates on the ship's weather conditions, visitors can follow the employment policy related to meteorology during their voyage through the Schengen Agreement's history.
