Historic Schengen Agreement Ship Returns for 40th Anniversary

Historic Schengen Agreement Ship Returns for 40th Anniversary

The ship where the Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 is making its way back to Luxembourg after a complete renovation. The vessel, named Prinzessin Marie-Astrid Europa, is set to depart from a shipyard in Germany on June 6, arriving in Schengen by June 14—the 40th anniversary of the landmark agreement.

A Grand Celebration in Schengen

The historic ship will be welcomed with a grand ceremony in the small village of Schengen, located at the border of Germany, France, and Luxembourg. Dignitaries expected to attend include:

• Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa
• Princess Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg and her husband, Archduke Carl Christian of Austria
• Numerous European politicians

The Legacy of the Schengen Agreement

On June 14, 1985, five European nations—Germany, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands—signed the Schengen Agreement aboard this ship, paving the way for the gradual removal of border controls. Today, the Schengen Area includes 29 countries and nearly 420 million residents.

Renovation and Future Exhibition

After its return, the ship will be permanently docked in Schengen and feature an onboard exhibition. The renovation and purchase cost Luxembourg over €10 million, with additional investments in a new pier and the revamped European Museum in Schengen.

Criticism of Border Controls

Despite the Schengen Agreement’s vision of a border-free Europe, recent reintroductions of border checks at Germany’s external borders have drawn criticism, particularly from Luxembourg, where over 50,000 cross-border workers commute daily.

The return of the Prinzessin Marie-Astrid Europa symbolizes both the achievements and ongoing challenges of the Schengen zone as it celebrates four decades of free movement.