Organized crime and terrorism threats to EU citizens require effective police cooperation. This article provides an overview of efforts for establishing a solid fundament for cooperation among agencies of the EU Member States and with third countries emphasising the role of Europol. Applied case study as a research method pinpoints developing police cooperation among Europol, EU Member States, and third countries. The focus is on the activities of the Europol unit at the Ministry of Interior in Skopje. The authors critically review the implementation of cooperation strategies, agreements, and plans in the specific legislative and policy framework of the Republic of North Macedonia. The findings will be of interest to anyone interested in the challenges of incorporating EU policy in police institutions of third countries.