The European Accessibility Act is Coming in 2025 — Are You Ready?

When the European Accessibility Act (EAA) becomes mandatory on 28 June 2025, all businesses offering goods and services in the EU—including websites, apps, e-commerce platforms, and self-service terminals—must comply with strict accessibility standards. The goal? Ensuring equal access for users with disabilities or impairments, while reducing regulatory complexity across the EU

What Is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

Originally approved in 2019, the EAA is a landmark EU law aimed at harmonizing accessibility across member countries. It applies to public and private sector organizations offering products and services within the EU, including digital assets like websites, mobile apps, banking interfaces, e-commerce, and even consumer electronics. The EAA builds upon existing public sector mandates to extend accessibility obligations to the private sector as well.

Why Does the EAA Matter?

1. More than Compliance: This law serves a higher purpose—digital inclusion. Around 135 million Europeans live with disabilities and benefit from accessible design .

2. Market Access: Non-compliant businesses risk fines, restricted market entry, or product withdrawal.

3. Global Advantage: Compliance aligns with international accessibility standards, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and contributes positively to SEO, brand trust, and usability.

How to Prep Your Site for the European Accessibility Act 2025

1. Understand Scope & Standards

The EAA expects your digital platforms to comply with EN 301 549, which incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA success criteria (and emerging requirements from WCAG 2.2). This includes:

• Perceivable content—text alternatives for images, captions for media

• Operable interfaces—keyboard navigation, focus indicators

• Understandable design—clear labels, readable fonts and layouts

• Robust compatibility—works with assistive technologies and future-proof designs

Explore the official standard at EN 301 549

2. Conduct a Full Accessibility Audit

Begin with manual and automated evaluations:

• Screen readers

• Keyboard-only navigation

• Contrast, form structure, alt text accuracy

Prioritize major barriers and create a remediation roadmap

3. Fix Identified Issues

Start with the most essential blocks:

• Add descriptive alt text

• Provide skip links for easy navigation

• Improve visual contrast

• Add captions/transcripts

• Ensure forms are clearly labeled

Then, focus on less visible but crucial parts: PDFs, CTA buttons, error messages

4. Integrate Accessible Development

Make accessibility part of your workflow:

• Include accessibility in design specs

• Train teams on standards and assistive tech

• Code components with WCAG compliance in mind

• Use inclusive patterns for forms, navigation, and controls

5. Maintain Through Ongoing Testing

Accessibility is continuous, not a checkbox:

• After updates or redesigns, run new audits

• Track user feedback and issue resolution

• Adapt to changes in laws, standards, or member-state rules

• Watch for June 2025 progress—implementation and enforcement are underway

Top 10 Questions About the European Accessibility Act (EAA)

1. Who must comply?
   Any business offering goods or services in the EU, excluding micro-enterprises below €2M turnover or fewer than 10 employees.

2. Which products/services are included?
   Websites, mobile apps, e-commerce, banking, ATMs, transport ticketing, e-books, and digital services.

3. What standards are expected?
   EU harmonized standard EN 301 549, based on WCAG 2.1 AA, evolving with WCAG 2.2.

4. When must we comply?
   By 28 June 2025, including updates in national law.

5. Does the EAA apply to U.S. companies?
   Yes—if your products reach EU customers (e.g. websites, apps, digital sales).

6. Are there exemptions?
   Micro-enterprises (<10 employees or turnover below €2M) may be exempt.

7. What happens if we don’t comply?
   Penalties range from fines to product withdrawal and access restrictions.

8. What tools can help us?
   Accessibility overlays alone are not enough—manual adjustments, audits, and training are essential.

9. Is compliance a one-time effort?
   No—continuous monitoring, user testing, and retesting are critical.

10. Where can we find help?
    Utilize official guides like AccessibleEU, consultancy firms, audit tools (Siteimprove, AudioEye, ReciteMe), and EU Commission resources.

Getting Started: Your Quick Roadmap

1. Gap Analysis – Identify accessibility issues

2. Remediation Plan – Prioritize and assign fixes

3. Training – Equip your team with standards and tools

4. Ongoing Monitoring – Audit regularly and track feedback

Final Thoughts

By preparing for the EAA now, you demonstrate a deep respect for inclusivity, gain a competitive global advantage, and avoid the risk of fines or market exclusion. Think beyond compliance—build more usable, future-proof digital experiences with better UX and SEO benefits.

For further support or a consultation on how we can guide you through compliance, get in touch today.

External Resources

• European Commission info on EAA

• AccessibleEU guidelines

• EN 301 549 standard overview

• AudioEye on WCAG & EAA

• ReciteMe’s EAA checklist