The council of the right-leaning NSi met today to debate the deal, endorsing it with a vast majority, NSi president confirmed for the press after the session, expressing hope that the cooperation will bear fruit.

"There is too much negative thinking in Slovenia right now, too many times people vote against, while the NSi said 'yes'," Novak said, adding that the two parties counted on the votes of those who want more cooperation and hope for the future.

It was agreed on Friday that the joint slate will be topped by NSi MEP Lojze Peterle, who said today that the decision of the NSi council was a "very clear and encouraging expression of political will".

According to him, the NSi and SLS teaming up for the European elections was not only about a joint project of two like-minded parties, but also a proof that it is possible to agree on something in Slovenia.

Peterle is convinced that the decision will be welcomed by the European People's Party (EPP), which both parties belong to, as well as by voters. He also expressed the wish that all three "sister parties of the EPP" come to an agreement on a EU elections campaign, referring to the opposition Democrats (SDS).

Apart from Peterle, the joint slate would include Novak, who has served as MEP before, as well as SLS president Franc Bogovič. It will feature four members of each party, with each party contributing two men and two women.

Interestingly, both first places will be occupied by NSi candidates, with Novak and Bogovič occupying the last two places, respectively.

Bogovič, whose party has not yet had an MEP, also believes in jointly standing in the elections, hailing it as "proof that it is possible to work together in Slovenia".

Bogovič's party is yet to confirm the decision on the joint slate with NSi. The party's executive council will discuss it on Monday, after which the deal will be debated by the SLS main committee.

Unofficially, the slate is to include NSi vice-president Aleš Hojs and NSi member Vida Čadonič Špelič, the head of the national Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection.

Bogovič said on Friday that potential candidates from the SLS could be SLS deputy Jasmina Opec and party vice-president Olga Franca.

While the NSi has one MEP in the present line-up of the European Parliament, the SLS's cooperation with NSi is seen as a way to help them secure a seat in the European Parliament.