The historic accord opening Europe’s internal borders is named after the village of Schengen, but the signing took place on the Moselle river where the Luxembourg, German and French borders meet. The ship has since been renamed MS Regensburg and is currently being used for tourism boat tours on the Danube around Regensburg, Germany.

“The return of the boat ‘MS Princesse Marie-Astrid’ is a great opportunity for the municipality of Schengen,” the commune’s mayor said. “We are particularly proud that the boat, on which the Schengen agreement was signed and which promotes European values, is returning to Schengen, symbol of the cradle of a Europe without borders.”

The ship will be returned to Luxembourg where it will be transformed into a tourist attraction with an exhibition and performance space. The MS Princesse Marie-Astrid will be kept in seaworthy condition, docked near the European museum in Schengen.

The €5.81m project is part of a government push for Luxembourg to highlight its role in European history in its tourism offer.

“The transformation of the ship into a meeting place and valorising the role of the grand duchy in the process of European integration offer an excellent opportunity for remembrance tourism,” said Delles. “The official acquisition of the former ship ‘MS Princesse Marie-Astrid’ is an important first step in this context,” he said in an official statement.

The ship is expected to open to visitors in its new shape in 2025.