Understanding the European Accessibility Act

The European Accessibility Act is set to significantly impact digital and physical accessibility across Europe. From June 28, 2025, a wide range of products and services—including websites, apps, ATMs, and e-commerce platforms—must be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.

This legal requirement extends to multiple industries, making it crucial for businesses to understand the EAA, comply with its standards, and enhance the user experience.

What is the European Accessibility Act?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a landmark legislation aimed at enhancing the accessibility of products and services for people with disabilities across the European Union. Adopted in 2019, the Act is set to be fully implemented by June 28, 2025. This significant move towards European accessibility ensures that all citizens, regardless of their abilities, can access and benefit from a wide range of products and services. The EAA represents a crucial step in creating a more inclusive market, promoting equal opportunities, and fostering social inclusion.

EU Web Accessibility Directive vs the European Accessibility Act

While the EU Web Accessibility Directive primarily enforces accessibility requirements on public institutions—ensuring their digital platforms like websites and mobile applications are accessible—the European Accessibility Act goes further by imposing similar obligations on the commercial sector. Businesses across various industries must now focus on making their digital and physical products and services accessible, including developing an accessibility statement, addressing any accessibility issues, and offering a feedback mechanism for users to report problems.

Key requirements of the European Accessibility Act

To comply with the European Accessibility Act, businesses must focus on several key areas:

• Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, level AA. This includes making text readable, providing alternative text for images, ensuring proper color contrast, and enabling keyboard navigation.
• Digital services: Online banking, e-commerce platforms, and other digital services must offer fully accessible user interfaces, support assistive technologies (like screen readers), and ensure all functions are operable without a mouse.
• Electronic communications: Ensure all digital communications—emails, newsletters, PDFs, and downloadable content—are accessible. This includes using accessible fonts, readable formats, and providing alternative text for images.
• Self-service terminals and kiosks: All touchscreens, ATMs, ticket machines, and other self-service devices must be designed for accessibility, featuring tactile feedback, voice output, and compatibility with assistive devices.
• E-books and digital publications: E-books and other digital publications must be available in formats that can be read by screen readers and other assistive technologies.

Scope and Application

The European Accessibility Act applies to a broad spectrum of products and services. This includes electronic communication services, e-commerce services, related consumer equipment services, and audiovisual media services. Additionally, the Act covers essential areas such as public transportation, banking services, ticketing machines, and TV equipment. The EAA mandates that businesses that provide services or sell products within the EU must comply.

Industries affected by the EU Accessibility Act

The Accessibility Act applies to a wide range of sectors, particularly those offering services or products that are part of the public sphere or serve large segments of the population. The key sectors include:

• E-commerce and Online Retail

• Banking and Financial Services

• Public Transportation and Ticketing

• Telecommunications and Media

• Health and Social Services

• Education (E-learning platforms)

• Public Sector Websites and Mobile Apps

Why should your organization care?

First of all, complying with the EU Accessibility Act is not optional; it’s a legal requirement. Individuals can sue institutions before national courts or authorities if they fail to comply. While penalties vary by country, they may include fines as high as three million euros, removal of products or services from the EU market, and, in the worst-case scenario, suspension of the organization's right to do business.

While these consequences may sound daunting, the EU directive was published to make life easier for both organizations and individuals. By harmonizing accessibility rules across all Member States, institutions gain access to a larger market. It's worth noting that disabled individuals represent a large target audience. According to Consilium Europa, 1 in 4 adults in the EU have a disability, translating to 101 million people with significant buying power.

It also allows organizations to save money—the EU Commission estimates that a lack of unified accessibility requirements cost organizations and Member States €20 billion in 2020. The directive aims to reduce this expenditure by half.

But beyond the financial benefits, ensuring that all people, including those with disabilities, have equal access to products and services is simply the right thing to do. Standardized accessibility rules in the EU will not only offer people more choices but also drive market growth and innovation.

Actionable steps for EAA compliance

Immediate action points: What should businesses do now?

1. Conduct an accessibility audit: Start by reviewing your digital products—websites, apps, and digital documents—to identify areas that do not meet accessibility standards.

2. Create an accessibility roadmap: Develop a comprehensive plan outlining which changes need to be made, the timeline for implementation, and the resources required.

3. Educate and train your team: Equip your designers, developers, and content creators with the necessary knowledge and skills to build accessible products. Accessibility should be a core part of your development process, not an afterthought.

4. Consult accessibility experts: Engage with specialists who can help guide you through the complexities of compliance, offering insights and best practices that go beyond simple checkbox solutions.

What to Do Later (and When)

1. Implement changes in stages (2024-2025): Begin with high-impact changes and gradually phase in additional improvements. Prioritize critical updates that most affect usability and compliance.

2. Regular testing and iteration (Ongoing): Continuously test your products with both automated tools and real users, ensuring ongoing accessibility. Make it a part of your regular QA processes to catch new issues as they arise.

3. Stay informed on regulatory changes (2024 and Beyond): Regulations can evolve, so keep an eye on updates and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Compliance with the EU Accessibility Act – A continuous process

If you’re a public or publicly funded institution in the EU, staying compliant with the EU Web Accessibility Directive isn’t optional. Failure to meet its requirements risks financial penalties, forced suspension of operations, and damage to your reputation. The European Accessibility Act extends these obligations to the private sector, ensuring that websites, mobile applications, and other digital services comply with established web accessibility standards.

While achieving compliance may initially seem challenging, the benefits are substantial. By making your web pages, electronic communication, and digital platforms accessible, you not only avoid legal risks but also enhance your brand's reputation. An accessible website helps you reach the vast market of individuals with disabilities, supporting social inclusion and improving overall user experience.

Compliance is an ongoing process. Regular monitoring, reports, and uniform accessibility testing are crucial to ensure your digital assets remain compliant. Involving relevant stakeholders in training programs and awareness-raising activities can support accessibility compliance and foster a culture that prioritizes inclusivity.

Incorporating accessibility into your policy is not just about meeting national law requirements—it's about embracing the broader goal of ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can access and benefit from digital services. This proactive approach will position your organization as a leader in accessibility, setting a strong foundation for future success in the digital economy.

Also, in simple, humane terms, it’s the ethical thing to do.

FAQ

What is the primary goal of the EU Web Accessibility Directive?

The EU Web Accessibility Directive aims to standardize accessibility across public sector websites and apps, ensuring access for people with disabilities.

What is the primary goal of the EU Accessibility Act?

The primary goal of the EU Accessibility Act is to ensure that a wide range of products and services across both public and private sectors are accessible to people with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and equal access throughout the European Union.

What is the difference between the EU Web Accessibility Directive and the European Accessibility Act?

The EU Web Accessibility Directive focuses on making public sector websites and apps accessible, while the European Accessibility Act covers a wider range of products and services, including both public and private sectors, addressing both physical and digital accessibility.

Is compliance with WCAG 2.1 mandatory under the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

The EAA doesn't explicitly require WCAG 2.1 compliance, but many organizations use it as a standard to meet the Act's digital accessibility requirements for websites, apps, and services.

What are the key principles of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1?

The key principles of WCAG 2.1 are Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR). Following these ensures digital content is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.

What are the potential consequences of non-compliance with the EU Web Accessibility Directive and the European Accessibility Act?

Non-compliance with either the EU Web Accessibility Directive or the European Accessibility Act can result in severe financial penalties, legal repercussions, and detrimental media exposure, which may harm an organization’s reputation. Specific consequences may include fines, removal of non-compliant products or services from the EU market, and, in some cases, the suspension of the organization's right to do business within the EU.