In Europa Universalis 5, expansion is not just about raising armies and capturing provinces The game has a political system where every war needs a justified reason, known as a Casus Belli (CB).
Without one, your empire faces harsh penalties that can cripple your stability and diplomacy. This guide explains how to secure claims, earn valid CBs, and expand your empire strategically.
Understanding Claims and Casus Belli in Europa Universalis 5
Claims can no longer be fabricated freely in EU5. For land conquest, you need a Casus belli – a legal reason to go to war. Conquest is still possible, but it will create more problems in the order of aggressive expansion, stability loss, and in your diplomacy.
Having a formal claim will reduce the war cost, and the integration of the land you will take. It will pose a nominal risk compared to the others at the cost of aggressive expansion and negative attention from the world diplomatically to your nation.
How to Get Claims Through Parliament in Europa Universalis 5
The Parliament route is the main way to secure claims. You’ll need to propose a motion to declare war or claim a province. The outcome of the vote depends on the satisfaction of your Estates and your management of the internal politics.
If it passes, your nation will gain a temporary Casus Belli for the targeted country. Keeping high relations and meeting their demands improves the success rate, and rewarding them will gain their support.
Time-consuming but it fits for countries with strong political systems and controlled domestic relations.
How to Fabricate Claims Using Espionage in Europa Universalis 5
When using the espionage route, you have greater control over the situation. It starts with choosing the nation you want to spy on and then building a Spy Network using Covert Actions. Once your spy progress is at 20 points, you can use the ‘Create Casus Belli’ option in the Hostile Actions menu.
This option allows you to fabricate a claim on a province your target nation currently controls, provided the province used to belong to you. You can see valid targets in blue on the map. It may take time, with distance and spy efficiency playing a role, but the wait is worthwhile for a precise and justified plan to expand your territory.
For patient players who prefer a strategic build-up, rather than the quick aggression, this is the route for you.
Ways to Get Casus Belli in Europa Universalis 5
Casus Belli in Europa Universalis 5 can be attained in multiple ways. Other than espionage and the parliament, there are multiple dynamic options available for you in Europa Universalis 5 to obtain valid CBs.
- Story and event CBs
- Religious conflicts
- Imperium CB
These methods make expansion feel organic and historically grounded, rewarding players who adapt to changing global conditions.
Declaring War Without a Claim in Europa Universalis 5
It is possible to declare war in the absence of a Casus Belli, but the consequences are severe. These types of wars are more costly, involve a significant loss in Stability, and will instantly place you in an Aggressive Expansion situation.
In consequence, you will enter into isolation, lose partnerships, and even face a world coalition against you. In conclusion, while it is possible to go to war unjustifiably, the consequences are damaging to your empire and the profit gained from victory is not worth it.
Managing Conquests After the War
Winning the war is only half the battle — keeping the land is the real challenge. After claiming new provinces, make sure to: Dominate new regions
- Use garrisons to control
- Manage relations to avoid coalitions
Post-Conquest Integration is needed to prepare your empire for the next conquest.
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