RTL Today - MS Princesse Marie-Astrid: Luxembourg to repurchase ship on which Schengen Agreements were signed

A piece of European and Luxembourg history is about to return to the Grand Duchy: the State will buy back the legendary MS Princesse Marie-Astrid.

The MS Princesse Marie-Astried has played a significant role in European history, as it was onboard this ship that the Schengen Agreement – which allows people to travel freely between the different European countries – was signed on 14 June 1985 and again in 1990.

The government said that a delegation consisting of Minister for Tourism Lex Delles and Mayor of Schengen Michel Gloden has travelled to Regensburg in Germany to purchase the ship, which currently sails as the MS Regensburg on the Danube River.

According to the General Directorate for Tourism, a purchase contract was signed between representatives of the municipality of Schengen and the owner of the MS Regensburg.

Once the ship has been purchased, the state plans to launch a call for projects for "the transformation of the ship, the setting up of a museum, and the construction of a new quay in Schengen". The ship will then be berthed in the municipality and will host "an exhibition and performance space adaptable to many forms of art or activities". It will also be able to travel around Europe "for special events".

The overall cost of the project is estimated at €5.81 million. It should be completed sometime in 2025.

The mayor of the municipality of Schengen, Michel Gloden, stressed that the return of the MS Princess Marie-Astrid is a "great opportunity" for the municipality of Schengen. The municipality is particularly proud that the ship on which the Schengen Agreement was signed and which promotes European values, is coming back to Schengen, "symbol of the cradle of a Europe without borders".