Why is the Roman Empire so hard to form?

[dD_ShockTrooper]

The Roman Empire formation decision seems to not just be merely declaring yourself a successor to Rome, but getting internationally recognised as definitely having restored the full empire. The requirements are still a little shaky in that regard, but merely Italy + Greece would not be enough for this. That said, there certainly should be a decision to declare yourself the successor of Rome that is almost entirely free, like the Islamic "Adopt the Title of Khalifa". Pretending to be the true Roman Empire was incredibly fashionable and everyone loved to do it back then.

 

[Vin55]

I would make it easier for Byzantium, when it takes Rome and 50 provinces in the Italians lands it should be able to reclaim the title (I mean it was eastern Rome). But for Western Rome there was no true sucessor left, so no easy route (well the HRE xd).

 

[necro84]

@Vin55 Byzantium could have this at the end of the mission tree but I would make it possible only to Byzantium and not to other country that forms Byzantium. It could be some flag set by reforming Byzantium that blocks this.

 

[Pandrea]

Many provinces do not seem historically justified. Wouldn’t a country which had conquered all of italy and greece in eu4 time frame be able claim to be the successor of the roman empire? Anatolia, France, Spain, and even more, Mesopotamia and English provinces do not seem justified conditions. HRE dismantled and byzantium not existing would make much more sense as conditions.

Because the entire "Reform Roman Empire" is just a tasteful challenge for skilled players without any historical plausibility