THE European Commission has been criticised after it emerged that it is to fly local authority chiefs from across the continent to Brussels so they can attend a ceremony that celebrates their commitment to combating climate change.

Stirling is among 60 cities that has been invited to a "signature ceremony" in Belgium next week, after agreeing to become part of the European Commission's Covenant of Mayors' Initiative on Adaptation to Climate Change.

Under plans that are expected to be approved this week, the city council will send its provost and an official to the event, despite admitting that the travel will cause greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that a flight from Glasgow to Brussels and back for the delegation will create 0.39 tonnes of CO2. The signature ceremony, which forms part of a seven-hour event, is designed to "recognise and honour the leadership being shown by mayors across Europe".

Jamie McGrigor, environment spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, said: "This appears to be a massive waste not just of money, but of energy too. What kind of example can a climate change summit set when it so pointlessly jets people in from across the continent? This is exactly the kind of eccentric decision making which increases suspicion of the EU among the general population."

Wile the EU is to pay up to £400 in expenses, costs over the amount will be met by the council's budget.

Green MSP Alison Johnstone said: "Coordinating low carbon innovation by cities is much needed, but the EU should be leading on making video-conferencing work better rather than paying out thousands for polluting flights."

A spokeswoman for Stirling council said that the event was "an opportunity for Stirling to demonstrate its commitment, on the European stage, to tackling the impacts of climate change". A spokesman for the European Commission said pollution from flights were covered by an emission trading system.