The geographical center of the European Union was moved eastward again when Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU on January 1, 2007 and is now situated in Barbarossastadt (Red Beard’s city) in the German land of Hessen, close to Frankfurt am Main.

According to National Geographic, the center move 150 km eastwards from Kleinmaischeid (also in Germany) to Gelnhausen near Barbarossastadt. Local authorities have already placed flags to mark the new geographical center of Europe, according to the Associated Press.

The official ceremony to establish the change took place in the presence of international on January 3. Local officials hope to match th symbolic value with a boost in tourism to improve the local economy.