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

This is a major step for transgender people in Europe. The man was already recognised as male in the United Kingdom. Romania had not done this. After years of legal battles, he has now won his case.

Romania is following other European countries. Nations like the Netherlands and Belgium have long officially recognised transgender people. Romania had strict rules for gender change.

Human rights organisations call this a breakthrough. They say transgender people now have better protection. The ruling may 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 based his decision on European human rights law.