and by fostering the creation of trust, which is known to enhance evidence engagement, especially on sensitive topics (Nilsson, 2019) such as migration. Moreover, interpersonal relationships and contacts seem to strengthen the EMN's capacity to act as a knowledge broker in several ways: first, interview results show that they contribute to the rapid gathering of information (e.g. good relationships between NCPs and national network members) and to guiding stakeholders to sources of evidence (e.g. by being approachable for the stakeholders), thus facilitating the flow of information between different actors (e.g. Bielak et al., 2008). Second, as noted by Gluckman et al. (2021), knowledge brokers need to have a good understanding of policymakers' needs to perform their role successfully. The interview findings suggest that personal interactions and building and maintaining relationships are key factors in NCPs' ability to understand the needs of policymakers, thereby allowing them to meet those evidence needs. Finally, through its large network, the EMN can make a significant contribution to relationship building, for instance, by bringing stakeholders together either through events (see Part 4 as well as D1.3) or on an ad hoc basis as the need arises (e.g., interviewee 10). In doing so, the EMN acts as a knowledge broker by taking on the role of a linking agent, helping to facilitate interaction, exchange of ideas, and relationship building among actors (e.g., Meyer, 2010, citing Oldham & MacLean, 1997). Of course, interpersonal relationships are not the only factors influencing evidence engagement within the EMN, and the level of personal connection varies among NCPs and stakeholders. In addition, it is also important to consider how these dynamics might impact those who are outside of these relationships. One stakeholder, for instance, mentions that, while they are frequently making use of the EMN as a resource, this is based on their “good relationships with the EMN” and that it can be difficult for newcomers to use tools provided by the network (interviewee 17). This participant argues that interactions with their respective NCP are dependent on personal connections and knowing the ‘right’ NCP members. Therefore, the participant suggests that it would be great to find a way for the NCP to operate that “is more open for everyone [to] ask a question”, for instance, when it comes to launching Adhoc queries. The importance of interpersonal connections can arguably also manifest through a relative lack of visibility of the EMN for those who are not directly involved in the network. Christine Boswell (2008) has already noted that the uptake of EMN outputs by Directorate staff is limited, with engagement often confined to those directly involved in the network's coordination. This view was echoed by interviewees who highlighted the EMN’s struggle to establish broader visibility (of their outputs) within policy circles (interviewees 8 & 11). For instance, one interviewee who works in policymaking notes that the EMN NCP members are “not so well known” in some policy circles and that their own engagement relies on personal connections with one NCP member (interviewee 11). Another policy actor stated to be aware of the EMN’s output due to their past of working in an NCP, however, their colleagues are not so aware of 15