European Accessibility Act (EAA) – what it brings and who it concerns
European Accessibility Act (EAA) EAA)is a directive of the European Union aimed at removing digital barriers and ensuring that products and services are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities and seniors. The EAA comes into effect on June 28, 2025, and affects a wide range of digital products and services across the EU.
Who must comply with the EAA?
- Companies with 10 or more employeesor with an annual turnover exceeding 2 million euros.
- Organizations that provide digital products and services to customers in the EU (e.g., websites, e-shops, mobile applications, ATMs, self-service terminals, e-books, online banking, e-commerce platforms, digital communication services, transportation services, and more).
- Micro-enterprises (up to 10 employees and turnover up to 2 million euros) are exempt.
What are the main requirements of the EAA?
- Accessibility according to the EN 301 549 standardwhich in practice means meeting the criteria WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 at the AA level for websites, applications, and digital services.
- Products and services must beperceivable, operable, understandable, and robust– that is, usable for people with visual, auditory, mobility, or cognitive disabilities.
- The obligation ofregular accessibility auditingand adjusting digital products according to current standards
- Documentation and demonstrating compliance– companies must be able to demonstrate that their products and services meet the requirements EAA.
What does the EAA apply to?
| Area | Examples of products/services |
|---|---|
| Websites and e-shops | Corporate websites, online stores, portals |
| Mobile applications | Banking, transportation, communication applications |
| Self-service terminals | ATMs, vending machines, kiosks |
| E-books and readers | E-books, e-book reading software |
| Digital services | Online banking, e-commerce, VoIP |
| Audiovisual services | Streaming, television applications |
| Transportation services | Booking systems, travel portals |
Sanctions for non-compliance
- Fines and legal consequences– in case of non-compliance, companies face financial penalties, legal disputes, and damage to reputation.
- Possibility of withdrawing the product/service from the marketin case of serious violations of the rules.
Why is the EAA important?
- It improvesaccess equalityto digital services for more than 100 million Europeans with disabilities.
- It contributes togreater competitivenessof companies and expands their customer base.
- It unifies rules across the EU, making cross-border trade easier and reducing the costs of implementing accessibility.
How to prepare for the EAA?
- Conduct an accessibility auditof your digital products and services according to WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA.
- Include accessibility in the design(UX/UI) of new websites and applications.
- Regularly train your teamin the area of digital accessibility.
- Monitor legislative changesand update your products according to current requirements.
The European Accessibility Act is both an opportunity and a challenge. Accessible digital products and services are not just a legal obligation but also a competitive advantage and a demonstration of social responsibility.