Updated 4.40 p.m.

The EU Representative Office in Malta has issued an explanation after small Maltese flags handed out at a public event at City Gate did not feature the George Cross but the eight-pointed Maltese cross superimposed on a George Cross outline.

The small plastic flags were being handed out as part of a road show on citizens' rights, called "European citizenship: not just words, but also concrete rights!", organised by the European Commission in Malta. Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said was present for the launch.

The European Commission Representation in a comment sent to timesofmalta.com explained that the activity was part of a series of events organised in various member states, directly by DG Justice, Liberty and Security (DG JLS) – European Commission.

"For all the events DG JLS had one contractor, obviously not Maltese, responsible for the printing of material to be handed out in the stand," the Representation said.

"When the mistake in the flag was noticed, the giveaway flags were removed. The Representation in Malta informed the organising Directorate General directly of the mistake in the material that was handed out so that they can deal directly with the contractor. Neither the European Commission Representation in Malta nor the Office of the Prime Minister were involved in the contracting of this event."

"The Commission was in no way trying to insult the Maltese flag and any indignation this incident might have caused is greatly regretted. The organisation of this event had to serve the purpose of informing as many people as possible of their rights as EU citizens something which was still achieved despite the incident," the Representation said.

The information tour will continue today in Rotunda Square, Mosta today and in Victory Square, Vittoriosa tomorrow.

The Constitution specifies that the Maltese flag is white and red, with the George Cross in the top left corner of the white field, near the mast.