From June 2025, the European rules for digital accessibility will become much stricter. Companies and organizations must ensure that their digital products and services, such as websites, web shops and apps, are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. But what exactly does this mean and how will it impact your organization? We'll explain it!
What is the European Accessibility Act 2025?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is legislation that was introduced by the European Union in April 2019. The purpose of the EAA is to ensure that products and services available in the EU are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This goes beyond just legislation; it's about equal opportunities for all. By making technology and information more accessible, the goal is to prevent exclusion and ensure that no one is left out.
From June 28, 2025, companies must comply with EAA accessibility standards. This means that penalties can be imposed for non-compliance, including fines. Therefore, it is crucial to take action now.
Why is the EAA so important?
Accessibility is a fundamental right. More than 80 million people live with disabilities in the EU, and that number is growing due to an ageing population. For this group, access to technology, information, and services can make the difference between participating and being excluded.
The EAA ensures that people with disabilities have equal opportunities. However, it also offers organizations the opportunity to expand their market by offering inclusive products and services. Accessibility is therefore not only good for society, but also for business.
Who does the EAA apply to?
The EAA covers various sectors, including:
- Public sector and government agencies: All digital platforms of governments and public services must be accessible.
- Commercial companies: From large companies to SMEs operating in the EU.
- Technology and software companies: Manufacturers of computers, tablets, and smartphones must make their products usable for people with disabilities.
- Transport and travel companies: Airlines, railways, and other transport organizations must make their platforms accessible.
- Retail and service sector: Shops and restaurants must make self-service devices accessible.
However, there are exceptions, for example for micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees or an annual turnover below €2 million. B2B companies, which only provide products or services to other companies (e.g. software that is only used internally, such as a CRM), do not have to comply with the EAA either. In addition, certain types of digital content, such as pre-recorded media (e.g. webinars) or Word and Excel files, are often excluded from the law.
What is covered by the legislation?
The EAA is broader than just websites. It's about all digital products and services that a citizen should be able to use, such as:
- Websites, mobile applications, and web shops
- Telecommunications services, such as providers' apps and websites
- News websites with subscription plans
- Professional services (e.g. doctors, lawyers, or brokers)
- Smartphones, computers, and control software
- TV equipment for digital television services
- Audiovisual media, such as Netflix and Spotify
- Payment terminals (cash machines, ticketing services, and check-in machines)
- Transport services, such as ticket machines and information screens
- All financial services, including online banking
What guidelines do you need to comply with?
The EAA uses the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as a basis. These are international guidelines for digital accessibility, built on four key principles:
- Perceivable: Ensure information is visible to people with sensory disabilities, such as adding alt texts for images or captions for videos.
- Operable: Ensure your website or app can be navigated using only a keyboard, so users who cannot use a mouse still have access.
- Understandable: Use clear language and ensure your website or app functions in a predictable way.
- Robust: Ensure your content is compatible with various devices and assistive technologies, such as screen readers.
Accessibility can also increase your conversion
Improving digital accessibility offers much more than just legal compliance. After all, you can attract a lot of extra customers if your digital communication is more accessible.
- Wider reach: accessibility makes your products and services available to a wider audience, including people with disabilities.
- More customers: With accessible platforms, more people can buy your products or use your services, including those who were previously excluded.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): you demonstrate that your organization is committed to inclusion and equal opportunities, which increases customer trust and loyalty.
- Better online visibility: Accessible websites often rank better in search engines (SEO), attracting more visitors.
Steps you can take right now
- Alt text for images: add descriptive alt texts to all images on your website.
- Clear links: Use clear, descriptive text for links instead of vague terms like “click here”.
- Simple language: Use simple, understandable language and logical page layout (for example, use H1 and H2 for headings).
The European Accessibility Act is more than an obligation, but also an opportunity to improve your website or digital product. By starting now, you prevent problems in the future and show that your organization is there for everyone.
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