The European Commission distanced itself from comments made by Valletta 2018 chairman Jason Micallef, noting it "cannot bear any responsibility for public statements by a national chair designated by the national authorities".
In a letter to MEP David Casa, European Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans said the Commission strongly encouraged Mr Micallef to express himself in a manner that reflected the common values of the EU.
The protest was prompted by Mr Micallef's derogatory remarks about slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, for which he was chastised by a group of artists and global writers.
The Valletta 2018 chairman was in the centre of a public media storm, when he posted a picture of St Patrick's Day celebrations in St Julian's and in a twist of the last words written by Ms Caruana Galizia, wrote: "St Patrick's Day in Malta. The situation is desperate. There is happy people everywhere you look."
He had also strongly objected to Ms Caruana Galizia's makeshift memorial outside the law courts in Valletta.
But Mr Micallef had dismissed the criticism last month and insisted that the situation had been “blown out of proportion”.
Mr Timmermans said in his letter to Mr Casa: “One of the missions of the European Capitals of Culture is precisely to invite Europeans to become active citizens and ensure that the core values of the Union are respected and shared.
“Any statements made in this context that go against the spirit are highly regrettable and should, in the Commission’s view, be avoided.”
@EU_Commission has condemned @JasonMicallefPL for his derogatory public comments on the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia & his divisive action with local artist community, who also have expressed their shock at his behaviour. This demeanor goes against common values of EU. pic.twitter.com/OU7lfwDor7
— David Casa (@DavidCasaMEP) June 21, 2018