As Luxembourg prepares for the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Schengen Agreement, one of the nation’s historic vessels is set to make its long-anticipated return. Although the current political discourse is largely dominated by the ongoing border controls, preparations are ongoing for the upcoming 40th anniversary celebrations of the treaty that championed free movement and created the Schengen Area.
A number of international guests of honour are set to board the Princess Marie-Astrid Europa in celebration of the agreement, which was signed on board the vessel on 14 June 1985 by representatives from Luxembourg, Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
More details on the celebrations are to be unveiled in a press conference next week.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the ship is scheduled to depart the shipyard in Niederkassel, near Bonn, next Friday, after undergoing a full restoration and modernisation process. It is not certain how long the ship will take to reach Schengen, as the travel time depends on the waiting period at the locks.
However, it is certain that upon her arrival, the Marie-Astrid will receive a permanent berth, with an exhibition on board. The purchase of the ship and its restoration is said to have cost around €10 million, according to the Ministry.
The Schengen museum is also set to reopen its doors following extensive renovation to mark the upcoming anniversary.
Read also: Mayors of Schengen and Perl speak out against German border checks
