EAA: The European Accessibility Act 2025

European Accessibility Act 2025

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a big step towards digital accessibility in the EU.

It aims to remove barriers for people with disabilities and harmonize accessibility regulations across the European Union.

Its enforcement is set for June 28, 2025.

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Businesses and public institutions will have to align their products and services with new accessibility standards, including web accessibility.

For EU businesses, this means ensuring their digital and physical products meet EAA standards.

‍US companies selling to the EU will need to comply with the EAA to continue operating successfully within the EU market.

However, this also means opening doors to a broader customer base thanks to accessible products and services.

It aims to remove barriers for people with disabilities and harmonize accessibility regulations across the European Union.

By meeting these standards, businesses can expand their reach, improve user experience, and increase sales.

Removing accessibility issues means your business will be able to reach more diverse customers.

What exactly does this mean for websites and mobile, digital services, and IT companies?

Understanding the EAA

EAA 2025 applies to a broad range of products and services that impact everyday life.

Businesses must ensure compliance, or risk substantial penalties.

Who Does the EAA Apply To?

• Businesses offering digital products and services (including e-commerce, banking, and audiovisual media platforms).
  
  This applies to both EU-based companies and businesses outside the EU (such as US companies) that sell to EU customers.

• Manufacturers of digital and physical products (such as general-purpose computers, self-service terminals, and smartphones).
  
  These requirements apply to companies that place their products on the EU market, regardless of their country of origin.

• Public institutions providing digital services (such as government websites and online portals).
  
  All EU government and public sector organizations must ensure their digital services meet EAA requirements.

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Businesses must ensure compliance, or risk substantial penalties.

Key Accessibility Requirements for EAA compliance

• Legibility & Visual Accessibility: Websites and apps must provide sufficient contrast, readable fonts, and scalable text.
• Multiple Sensory Channels: Information must be presented through more than one sensory format (e.g., text, speech, and haptic feedback).
• AlternativeNavigation: Users must be able to navigate using a keyboard, voice commands, or assistive technologies.
• Self-Service Terminal Accessibility: ATMs, ticket machines, and payment terminals must include tactile markers, screen readers, and alternative input methods.
• E-books & Digital Media: Text-to-speech functionality must be included for e-books, and video content must feature captions or audio descriptions.

How Does the EAA Affect Websites & Digital Platforms?

The EAA mandates compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.

Websites must be:

• Perceivable: Content must be visible and understandable for people with visual, auditory, and cognitive impairments.
• Operable: Websites must support keyboard navigation and assistive technologies.
• Understandable: Text and interfaces must be clear, concise, and structured logically.
• Robust: Content must be compatible with future assistive technologies.

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The European Accessibility Act 2025 is not just about compliance – it’s about ensuring inclusivity for millions of users.

Compliance and Technical Standards (EN 301 549)

The EAA mandates that businesses comply with accessibility standards, and the European standard EN 301 549 provides specific technical requirements. This standard aligns with WCAG 2.1 and serves as the benchmark for ICT (Information and Communication Technology Accessibility) accessibility in the EU.

• EAA = Legal Directive
• EN 301 549 = Technical Standard for Compliance

If a company meets EN 301 549 requirements, it is likely compliant with the EAA as well.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with the European Accessibility Act 2025

Penalties for non-compliance vary by member state.

In some cases, fines can range from €5,000 to €20,000 per violation.

Companies may also face restrictions on selling their products within the EU until they meet compliance requirements.

Businesses that invest in accessibility improvements will benefit from broader customer reach, improved user experiences, and a stronger reputation in the digital market.

Practical Steps for Businesses to Ensure Compliance

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit‍
   
   • Use tools like Axe, Lighthouse, and Wave to identify WCAG issues.
   • Hire WCAG audit services to review your website and digital services.
2. Update Your Website and Digital Content
   
   • Ensure compliance with WCAG 2.1 (or 2.2, which introduces additional criteria).
   • Improve color contrast, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility.
   • Provide alternative text for images, captions for videos, and text-to-speech features.
3. Ensure Digital Products Meet Accessibility Requirements
   
   • E-commerce websites must allow accessible navigation and checkout.
   • Banking platforms should ensure users with disabilities can perform transactions easily.
   • Audiovisual content providers must include subtitles and alternative formats.
4. Prepare Technical Documentation & Compliance Reports
   
   • Create an EU Declaration of Conformity for your products.
   • Maintain technical documentation proving compliance.
   • Add CE Marking to products, which remains valid for five years.
5. Train Your Team on Accessibility Best Practices
   
   • Developers, designers, and content creators should be educated on WCAG 2.1.
   • Accessibility should be integrated into the product development lifecycle.

The Future of Digital Accessibility in the EU

The European Accessibility Act 2025 is not just about compliance – it’s about ensuring inclusivity for millions of users.

Businesses that invest in accessibility improvements will benefit from broader customer reach, improved user experiences, and a stronger reputation in the digital market.

For IT companies, website developers, and e-commerce platforms, this is the time to act.

Conducting audits, aligning with WCAG 2.1, and preparing documentation will ensure your business remains competitive and compliant before the June 2025 deadline.

By taking accessibility seriously, companies will not only avoid penalties but also create a more inclusive digital landscape – a win for both business and society.

Need expert help with your website or ecommerce?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and is intended for awareness purposes only. It is not exhaustive and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements, implementation timelines, and penalties may vary by EU member state and individual business circumstances. For comprehensive guidance specific to your situation, we recommend consulting with legal specialists or accessibility experts. While we strive for accuracy, regulations may change, and businesses should verify current requirements with official EU sources.

Official Sources & Legal Documents

1. European Commission - The European Accessibility Act Overview
   • The official page explaining the scope, objectives, and impact of the EAA.
2. EUR-Lex - The Full Text of the European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882)
   • The complete legal text of the EAA, including its requirements, implementation timeline, and compliance obligations.
3. EN 301 549 - European ICT Accessibility Standard (ETSI)
   • The official European standard that details technical accessibility requirements, closely aligned with WCAG.

Expert Analysis & Compliance Guidance

4. Reed Smith - European Accessibility Act: What’s the Latest?
   • A legal analysis of the EAA, its deadlines, and implications for businesses.
5. ReciteMe - European Accessibility Act Fines & Enforcement
   • Details about penalties for non-compliance, including potential fines and enforcement mechanisms.
6. Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) - EU Digital Accessibility Requirements
   • A summary of EU web accessibility laws and how they align with WCAG.