While we were waiting for the Nobel Prize news, Danuta walked in and out of the room.

FORBES: Behind Every Great Man Is the Mother of His Children. One of Them Finally Comes Out.

Since the publication of her memoir, Danuta has been happily giving out interviews.

FORBES: Behind Every Great Man Is the Mother of His Children. One of Them Finally Comes Out.

Announcing the funding, Danuta Hubner, EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, said economic and social development in Northern Ireland was important.

BBC: The money was part of the EU's cohesion policy

Danuta served us tea and cookies, and since we sat there for some time, she asked if anybody was hungry.

FORBES: Behind Every Great Man Is the Mother of His Children. One of Them Finally Comes Out.

As we were leaving, I once again caught a glimpse of Danuta.

FORBES: Behind Every Great Man Is the Mother of His Children. One of Them Finally Comes Out.

Danuta was a pretty, petite brunette with charming dimples, a girl from a small town who moved to Gdansk and became a florist.

FORBES: Behind Every Great Man Is the Mother of His Children. One of Them Finally Comes Out.

Danuta Hubner, the Polish government's representative at the convention, says her country regards the ability to set its own taxes as a necessary tool in its bid to close the economic gap with western Europe.

ECONOMIST: The European Union's convention

From Poland comes news that Danuta Hubner, just finishing her term as EU commissioner for regional development, tried hard to avoid taking up the seat she has just won to the European Parliament, because she wanted to stay on in the commission.

ECONOMIST: European politics