Combat is inevitable in Europa Universalis, where territorial disputes often escalate into full-scale conflicts. Securing legitimate grounds for warfare requires a Casus Belli—a formal justification. When natural pretexts are absent, players must strategically manufacture claims to advance their ambitions.

Though the core concept appears straightforward, Europa Universalis overwhelms newcomers with intricate systems. This guide simplifies the claim fabrication process, cutting through the game’s complexity to empower strategic decision-making.

Claim Creation Methods in Europa Universalis 5

Legislative Approach

When diplomatic tensions rise without clear provocation, your nation’s parliament becomes critical. Follow these steps:

1. Access the Government menu from the interface’s upper-left section
2. Open parliamentary proceedings through the displayed interface
3. Locate and activate the War Justification initiative

Note: Successful claim manufacturing requires both active parliamentary sessions and majority support from legislators.

Covert Operations

Espionage offers an alternative path to legitimize military actions:

• Select your target nation and initiate Covert Missions
• Deploy 20 intelligence operatives (accumulates 20+ points)
• After sustained operations (typically 12+ months), access Hostile Actions
• Select War Authorization from available options

While unprovoked aggression remains possible, fabricated justifications significantly reduce diplomatic penalties and war exhaustion.