BRUSSELS, March 24 (Xinhua) -- From file exhibition to fireworks, from Beethoven to pop stars, Belgians enjoyed their celebration on the eve of the European Union's 50th birthday in Brussels, capital of the 27-nation bloc.

    However, the enthusiasm was mixed with a bit of skepticism.

    A multimedia showing of the EU's history kicked off on Friday afternoon, taking the lead of the birthday celebrations which will last over this weekend.

    Through a variety of display of archive materials and items, the exhibition, held in the headquarters of the Council of the European Union, illustrated the stages of the European integration and its practical achievements over the past 50 years.

    While retracing the development of a united Europe since 1957 when the Treaty of Rome, the foundation stone of present EU, was signed, visitors to the exhibition will also be invited to make a simulative vote as government representatives from member states in the council, the powerful legislative body of the EU. The exhibition will open to the public from Monday till the end of May.

    Brussels, a city which is the symbol of the European integration, celebrated the event on Saturday to the notes of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

    On the opening ceremony of the concert performed by the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso expressed his satisfaction with EU's past and confidence in its future.

    "Today, when we celebrate 50 years of the great experience of European integration, we should be very proud of our past achievements," Barroso said. "...Building on our great past, we must reaffirm that the union is the best answer to (the) 21st (century's) challenges."

    "In Europe, 2007 is the year when the past and the future meet," he added.

    To celebrate the 50th anniversary, EU leaders are set to adopt a declaration on Sunday, which will set out the past achievements and the future aspirations of the 27-member bloc.

    When leaders from all the member states gathered in Berlin this weekend, pop stars from all over the EU brought nations together in Brussels with music.

    For three hours on Saturday evening, European pop stars performed in multinational duos and trios on an open stage in front of the Atomium, a famous exhibition building symbolizing a frozen iron molecule, which is located in the northern suburb of Brussels.

    The wonderful evening culminated in a fireworks show, which ushered the EU into its 50th.

    Serge Nemry and his wife Desiree were among the crowd. They came just for the fireworks.

    "We want to see the fireworks," Serge said, "no matter what the occasion is."

    As local residents of the EU capital, the middle-aged couple could hardly feel proud at this moment. They cared more about their food and jobs rather than the integration with other countries.

    "We feel Belgian rather than European," Desiree, who is five years younger than the EU, said. "I am not sure if we need the European Union. The cultures are so different. We are losing jobs to the cheaper laborers coming from some new members."