A Romanian man achieved an important legal victory. The country officially recognises his gender identity now.

This is a big step for transgender people in Europe. The man was already recognised as male in the UK. This did not happen in Romania. Now he won after years of legal cases.

Romania follows other European countries this way. Countries like Netherlands and Belgium recognise transgender people officially longer. The country had strict rules for gender change.

Human rights organisations speak of a breakthrough. They say transgender people are now better protected. The ruling can influence future cases in Romania.

It remains unclear if the government will appeal the ruling. Romania currently has no law regulating gender change. The judge bases his decision on European human rights.