How to secure Claims and conquer lands in Europa Universalis 5

One of the initial things that beginners observe in Europa Universalis 5 is that the previous system for generating Claims, which existed in EU4, has been removed. You can’t just fabricate them on your neighboring territories anymore. The process of expanding your nation's borders now depends on Casus Belli (CB), which represents your country's officially recognized and lawful reason for going to war.

If you attempt to take territory without having one of these justifications, it is still possible to do so, but the penalties for this action are severe.

---

How to get Claims and conquer lands in Europa Universalis 5

Claims can be acquired in several ways, but the two main routes we recommend are through your Parliament or by building a Spy Network. The Parliament route is all about politics. You’ll need to propose your Claim through the Parliament system and then win a vote among your Estates.

Claims now require thoughtful planning (Image via Paradox Interactive)

Your success rate depends on how well you manage internal politics like certain events, influence levels, or promises of favors can sway the vote in your favor. If the Estates approve, your Claim is granted, giving you a legitimate reason to go to war.

The second, and often more direct method, is through espionage. By creating a Spy Network in the target nation, you can use the Create Casus Belli hostile action to fabricate a Claim on one of their provinces. However, this option is only available if the target owns land that historically belonged to your nation.

It’s a slower but reliable process that rewards patience and planning, especially for players to expand methodically.

---

Other ways to secure Casus Belli

While land Claims are the most efficient way to justify expansion, they aren’t the only option. Europa Universalis 5 introduces multiple situational Casus Bellis that reflect historical and political dynamics:

• Dynamic events & storylines: Certain missions or scripted world events like the Rise of the Turks automatically grant special CBs tied to major historical conflicts.
• Imperium authority: In the late game, powerful nations that reach Imperial status can unlock the Imperium CB, granting global conquest rights at reduced warscore costs.

---

Declaring war without a Claim

You can technically choose to start a war without having any legal justification or declared reason for the conflict at all, but you must understand that this is an extreme action. Wars declared without Claims are far more expensive in warscore cost and legitimacy loss.

Furthermore, you will be subjected to much more severe negative reactions from all other nations, which will make it considerably more difficult for you to keep your existing alliances together or to prevent other powerful countries from forming a unified coalition against you.

So while it’s possible to conquer land without justification, it’s rarely worth the long-term consequences.

---

Read more articles on the game below:

• All Automations in Europa Universalis 5 and their features
• How to increase Control in Europa Universalis 5?
• How to build roads in Europa Universalis 5?