The CJEU has ruled that Bulgaria's legislation prohibiting the change of gender in official documents contravenes European law and the freedom of movement.

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ruled that Bulgarian legislation prohibiting the modification of gender in official documents is contrary to European law. The decision was made following a request for a preliminary ruling from the Supreme Court of Cassation in Bulgaria, in the case of a Bulgarian citizen born male, who, after starting hormone therapy and identifying as a woman, faced difficulties in obtaining a legal gender change.

The CJEU emphasized that legislation preventing the modification of gender data in civil registries is incompatible with EU law, affecting citizens who exercise their right to free movement. This decision could have a significant impact on other member states, including Romania, setting a precedent for the recognition of gender identity in the European Union. Discrepancies between gender identity and official documents can create difficulties in everyday life, including in travel and professional activities.