Today's front pages

The trial of former Conservative Prime Minister Geir Haarde has opened in Reykjavik. He is accused of negligence in the management of the financial crisis that hit the island between 2008 and 2009 and faces up to two years in prison.

Banks were confident until eve of collapse – Morgunblaðið

According to research firm Dealogic, over €417 billion of loans made to European companies taken over in leveraged buyouts will mature in the next five years. The economic situation in Europe and the difficulty for banks in identifying funds will make reimbursement problematic.

Clock ticks on buyout debt – The Wall Street Journal Europe

François Hollande, the socialist frontrunner in this year's French presidential elections is seeking to turn to his advantage the theory that conservative European leaders are deliberately snubbing him.

Europe: Hollande not worried about boycott – Libération

it has emerged in Slovakia that the "99%" party, created to expose corruption, has falsified the sponsorship signatures allowing it to stand for elections on March 10. The ongoing investigation, which could theoretically invalidate not just the party's participation but also the entire election, will not be concluded before the vote.

False signatures affair will not be settled before Friday – Pravda

Divergent views have emerged within the Irish cabinet about the best date to hold the referendum on the fiscal treaty, with some ministers maintaining a polling date in autumn would be preferable.

Cabinet divided over date for referendum – The Irish Times

Two Italian soldiers accused of killing Indian fishermen as they escorted a cargo ship off the coast of India on February 15 are being held in custody for three months in Trivandrum, south-western India.

Naval commandos in prison, Italy's anger – Corriere della Sera

Almost a year after Chancellor Merkel's decision to shut down eight nuclear reactors in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, the fossil fuel coal has become Germany's main energy source.

Coal is back – Financial Times Deutschland