Germany, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU), is holding a series of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the EU.

Heads of state and government of the 27 member states will gather in Berlin for an informal summit on Sunday.

The leaders are expected to sign the Berlin Declaration, which takes stock of the past 50 years of the union and looks to the future.

The document is expected to be brief with no direct mention of controversial issues such as the EU constitution. The core of the document will address the challenges facing the EU.

The official celebrations will start on Saturday night with a concert entertaining the heads of state and government.

A series of musical, cultural and information events have also been arranged for the citizens.

The "European Night of Beauty" on Saturday features European art. A "European Club Night" also on Saturday will have DJs from all 27 EU member states to play their own music in over 30 clubs.

A musical event will be staged on Sunday at the Brandenburg Gate with a climax to culminate in a grand fireworks display.

Source: Xinhua