Starting tomorrow, June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will officially come into force across the EU, setting a new legal standard for digital accessibility. The EAA is a game-changer for websites, apps, devices, and digital services, ensuring they are accessible to people with disabilities and older individuals. For companies that fail to comply, the consequences can be significant, ranging from heavy fines to, in some member states, even prison sentences for responsible executives.
What Is the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA is an EU Directive (2019/882) aimed at harmonizing accessibility requirements across Member States. It was adopted in 2019, transposed into national laws by 2022, and becomes enforceable from June 28, 2025. The Act focuses on improving the accessibility of key digital products and services for over 135 million Europeans living with disabilities.
Who Is Affected?
The EAA applies to both EU-based businesses and foreign companies offering digital services or products within the EU. This includes:
- Websites and mobile applications
- E-commerce platforms
- Smartphones, computers, and smart TVs
- Banking services and ATMs
- E-books and e-readers
- Ticketing and check-in machines
- Customer support systems (calls, chatbots, etc.)
Micro-enterprises (fewer than 10 employees or less than €2 million annual turnover) may be exempt, though this depends on each country’s interpretation.
What Are the Requirements?
Digital products and services must now meet the WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standard and comply with the EU’s harmonized standard EN 301 549. In practice, this includes:
- Keyboard navigability and screen reader compatibility
- Clear, logical information structure
- Text alternatives for images and videos
- High-contrast visuals and scalable fonts
- Accessible forms and buttons
- Clear error messaging and instructions
Additionally, companies must provide accessibility statements, maintain feedback mechanisms, and document compliance efforts.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Penalties vary by country but can be severe:
- Fines of up to €50,000 per violation, and even daily penalties
- In France, up to €50,000 for missing accessibility statements
- In Germany, fines can reach €100,000 for misleading or inaccessible products
- In Ireland, senior staff may face up to 18 months of imprisonment
Failure to comply can also lead to product bans, blocked services, lost contracts, and reputational damage.
Why This Matters for Tech Companies
If you build, manage, or sell digital products in the EU, this law applies to you. Compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about opening your services to millions of users who have been excluded for too long. Accessibility is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a legal obligation and a strategic advantage.
Next Steps for Businesses
- Assess your products and services for accessibility gaps.
- Audit against WCAG 2.1 AA and EN 301 549 standards.
- Remediate critical issues in design and code.
- Train teams on accessibility best practices.
- Publish accessibility statements and set up feedback channels.
The deadline is tomorrow
With the June 28 deadline now here, the time to act is now. Embracing accessibility is not just a legal duty, it’s a commitment to building a better digital future for everyone.
