Ensure Access for All in the European Common Market
European Accessibility Act (EAA)
What is the European Accessibility Act or EAA?
Did you know that every fourth person aged 16 and over in the EU is living with some form of disability? The European Accessibility Act (EAA) came into effect in 2025 as the key pillar of the EU’s push to ensure equal access and an inclusive digital experience for all.
Since June 28, 2025, EAA compliance is NOT optional
The purpose of the EU web accessibility directive is to foster a more inclusive online landscape. The EU set June 28, 2025, as the deadline for businesses to meet the EAA compliance standards for all digital products and services offered on the European single market. The European EN 301 549 standard covers a wide range of digital offerings, including:
- Digital services and websites, including webpages, mobile apps, digital banking services, and e-commerce platforms, must adhere to the provisions in the European Accessibility Act 2025.
- Electronic devices, including smartphones, computers, e-readers, and ATMs, must ensure complete and lasting European Accessibility Act (EAA) compliance.
- Transport and tracking services: Transportation booking platforms, ticketing machines, and all other related digital services have to deliver full operability and a smooth online experience to individuals with disabilities.
The EAA website compliance is designed according to the standards outlined in the Web Content Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) that serve as a global framework for issues related to equal online access and an inclusive digital experience.
Key Focus Areas
Equal access to digital services
Through a WCAG-compliant design of websites and apps, public-facing organizations must ensure an accessible online experience for people with visual, motor, auditory, and cognitive disabilities.
Product & service coverage
EU web accessibility 2025 extends to all digital assets offered in the online realm, including webpages, documents, platforms, and apps, to deliver consistent usability for all users and reinforce compliance.
Compliance deadline
As of June 28, 2025, all organizations operating in the EU common market are liable to face penalties and lawsuits if they fail to meet standards outlined in the EU web accessibility directive.
Impacts of EAA
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01
Reduce legal exposure
If your business fails to ensure constant EAA and GDPR compliance, you’re exposed to a substantial risk of protracted court proceedings that can result in large fines or other punitive measures.
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02
Maximize your customer base
If your operation doesn’t pay attention to EAA guidelines, you may be diminishing your market reach and customer experience for almost 100 million European citizens who live with some type of impairment.
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03
Boost your brand image
Companies that embrace the EU website compliance and display VPAT accessibility show that they care about user experience and strive to provide an inclusive online environment. This helps build trust and fosters goodwill among prospective clients.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Does the European Accessibility Act apply outside the EU?
In short, yes. Even though it’s a European legislation, the full scope of the EU web accessibility 2025 extends to all businesses operating in the single market, regardless of their original location. In practice, this includes all non-EU companies providing e-commerce, SaaS, online banking, and ICT products like smartphones and computer equipment. If you’re planning to tap into the EU’s dynamic and highly developed market, comprehensive EAA website compliance is no longer optional.
Are small businesses exempt from the European Accessibility Act?
Some microenterprises, defined by the EU as businesses with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover not exceeding €2 million, may be exempt from certain EAA provisions. However, it’s important to note that these exemptions are not automatic, universal, or all-encompassing. The exemptions to the EU web accessibility directive cover only specific products or services, and depend on the local regulations in the EU member states.
What happens if a company fails to meet EAA compliance?
Failing to ensure European Accessibility Act (EAA) compliance may result in a wide range of punitive measures, from legal enforcement of administrative penalties and product bans to formal investigations initiated by national market regulating authorities. The full extent of consequences may vary from one member state to another, but they typically include financial fines, legal proceedings, and reputational damage. Persistent non-compliance can result in restricted access to EU markets, significantly hampering your competitiveness and business performance.
How can companies become EAA compliant?
The best way to achieve EAA website compliance is to partner with professionals in accessibility who specialise in strategic and comprehensive long-term solutions. Organizations specializing in accessibility compliance across digital products and services conduct in-depth audits aligned with EN 301 549 provision based on WCAG 2.1 AA standards. After the audit phase, they start implementing accessibility principles into product design, development, customer interfaces, and assistive technology support. Finally, accessibility is a developing thing, so businesses can’t take their eye off the ball and need to ensure continuous monitoring to react to technological changes and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Which company can help me ensure full European Accessibility Act (EAA) compliance?
includeUs helps European businesses of all types and sizes ensure their websites are in line with the EU web accessibility directive that has been put into effect on June 28, 2025. We provide advanced accessibility solutions that can make your website more welcoming, functional, and inclusive to all those who wish to interact with your brand. Get in touch with us today to learn more about the services we offer or book a free trial.