Brussels, 11/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - In 2009, the European Commission is expecting Iceland to submit a request to join the European Union. Olli Rehn, the EU Enlargement Commissioner, is reported by Reuters as saying on Thursday that he was preparing psychologically for Iceland to ask to join the EU. Quizzed about when the accession process would start (Iceland is already part of the European Economic Area), he said 'it is more music for early next year.' It is the Icelandic government that has to decide on this crucial issue but since the unfolding of the economic and financial crisis, 'there clearly is movement in Iceland' to seriously study the option of joining the EU, explained Rehn. Iceland's prime minister, Geir Haarde, said his country could consider accession talks if they were carried out on acceptable foundations. The question will be discussed at the January 2009 congress of the ruling Independence Party. (H.B. trans fl)