.avif)
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a landmark directive aimed at improving accessibility for products and services within the European Union (EU). With enforcement starting on 28 June 2025, businesses operating in the EU—or serving customers in the EU—must comply with the standards set out by the EAA.
At the heart of the EAA lies alignment with the internationally recognised WCAG digital accessibility standards, which aim to ensure websites, digital products, and content are accessible to everyone.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the core principles of EAA accessibility, providing practical tips, examples, and a roadmap for EAA compliance. Whether you're updating your website, optimising media, or revamping e-commerce platforms, this is your go-to resource for navigating the complexities of the EAA directive at every level.
Key Takeaways
Navigating the EAA timeline is critical for ensuring compliance. Here’s a quick overview:
- Adopted: April 17, 2019
- Enforcement Deadline: June 28, 2025
Why does this matter? These dates mark a shift in how businesses operating in the EU—or serving its residents—must approach accessibility. Failure to act before the 2025 deadline could result in fines, legal challenges, and reputational damage.
Understanding the timeline is just the beginning. The EAA directive leaves room for interpretation, and compliance requirements can vary based on the product, service, or region. To clarify these complexities, we sought insights directly from experts in accessibility regulations.
Clarifying EAA Standards: What the Experts Say
To clarify the scope and requirements of the European Accessibility Act, we consulted the Europe Direct Contact Centre (EDCC) and the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Below are the questions we asked and the key takeaways from the responses received.
- Does the EAA apply to pre-recorded time-based media created after June 28, 2025, such as videos, slides, and office file formats?
Yes, the EAA applies to pre-recorded media created after this date if it is tied to a product or service within the directive’s scope. Businesses must ensure compliance for public-facing materials like instructional videos, promotional slides, and digital files. Internal content is generally exempt.
- Does this apply to both external and internal content, such as internal events, advertising, and social media?
No, internal content—such as employee training videos or company event recordings—is not covered by the EAA. However, external content like advertisements, public-facing social media posts, and promotional videos must comply if it relates to EAA-covered products or services.
- Who holds the responsibility for ensuring compliance—the platforms (e.g., Microsoft, Facebook) or the companies producing the content?
The responsibility lies with the economic operators providing the product or service, not the hosting platforms. While platforms like YouTube and Facebook offer tools such as alt text and captions to assist with accessibility, the burden of compliance remains with the businesses producing the content.
For additional details, refer to the official EAA directive here.
Key Takeaways from Expert Responses
- New media: Media created after June 28, 2025, must comply if tied to EAA-covered products or services.
- Internal vs. external: Internal content is exempt; external-facing media must comply.
- Compliance responsibility: Businesses, not hosting platforms, are responsible for meeting EAA standards.
What Is the Scope of the EAA?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is more than just a regulatory framework—it’s a step toward creating a more inclusive society. Services such as telephony and e-commerce platforms must adhere to the WCAG 2.1 guidelines to ensure accessibility for users with disabilities. By setting accessibility standards for key products and services, the EAA aims to:
- Promote digital and physical inclusion: Ensuring that people with disabilities can fully participate in society.
- Simplify compliance: Providing a unified standard across EU member states, reducing complexity for businesses.
- Encourage innovation: Driving the creation of more accessible technology, consumer banking services, transport, communication devices, and audio-visual media services.
But what exactly falls under the EAA’s scope? Here’s a breakdown of the products and services it covers, along with key exemptions.
Products Covered by EAA
The EAA includes accessibility of products. It applies to a wide range of consumer-facing products, including:
- Computers and operating systems: Ensuring accessible software and interfaces for all users.
- Payment terminals and self-service machines: ATMs, ticketing kiosks, and other devices must meet accessibility standards.
- Smartphones and telecommunications equipment: Accessibility features, like voice commands and screen readers, are a must.
- TV and digital equipment: Televisions and set-top boxes must support features such as subtitles and audio descriptions.
Services Covered by EAA
Similarly, the EAA outlines specific requirements for services, such as:
- Telephony and telecommunications: These services must be designed to support people with disabilities, especially hearing or visual impairments.
- Transport: Websites, apps, and e-ticketing systems for buses, trains, and planes must comply to accessibility rules.
- Consumer banking: Online and mobile banking systems must offer accessible interfaces with their digital platgorms.
- E-books access and e-commerce platforms: These platforms need to meet accessibility standards, including screen reader compatibility.
Exemptions to EAA
Not all businesses are subject to the EAA. Key exemptions include:
- Pre-recorded media: Content published before June 28, 2025, is not required to comply.
- Microenterprises: Businesses with fewer than 10 employees and a turnover under €2 million are exempt.
By defining its scope, the EAA ensures that essential products and services become accessible, promoting inclusion across the EU.
.png)
How Compliance Is Monitored and Enforced
Ensuring compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an ongoing process involving clear responsibilities for businesses and oversight by national authorities. Here’s how compliance is enforced and what happens in cases of non-compliance:
Business Responsibilities
Economic operators, such as manufacturers and service providers, must:
- Meet accessibility requirements: Ensure products and services align with EAA requirements.
- Provide documentation: Document compliance with EN 301 549, which directly integrates the WCAG principles as a benchmark for accessibility.
- Cooperate with authorities: Assist with inspections, audits, and corrective actions when necessary.
Role of Hosting Platforms
Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Microsoft are not responsible for compliance but offer tools such as captions and alt text to help businesses meet digital accessibility standards. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the businesses producing that type of content.
Consumer Rights and Escalation
If consumers encounter non-compliance, they have multiple avenues to seek resolution:
- Internal feedback systems: Businesses must provide channels for accessibility-related complaints.
- Administrative bodies: National authorities can investigate claims and enforce corrective measures.
- Legal action: Consumers can escalate unresolved issues to courts under EAA or national accessibility laws.
Enforcement Measures and Penalties
National authorities are responsible for monitoring compliance and enforcing penalties. These may include:
- Fines: Financial penalties vary by country and severity of non-compliance.
- Corrective actions: Businesses may be required to update or modify products and services.
- Operational restrictions: In severe cases, non-compliant products or services may be restricted or prohibited.
EAA Implementation Across EU Countries
Ran Ronen, Founder and CEO of Equally AI, writes for Forbes that different EU member states enforce EAA compliance in unique ways:
Germany: Germany’s Accessibility Strengthening Act extends obligations to private entities. Fines can reach up to €100,000, and competitors or consumer protection organisations can file claims for damages or cease-and-desist orders under unfair competition laws.
Ireland: Under the EU (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020, penalties include fines of up to €60,000 and 18 months in prison. Accessibility statements and clear compliance reporting mechanisms are mandatory.
France: France integrates the EAA into its existing Law 2005-102 and RGAA framework. Public websites must include detailed accessibility statements with compliance levels, audit results, and feedback mechanisms. Fines range from €25,000 to €50,000 for repeated violations.
.png)
Practical Steps for EAA Compliance
To achieve compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), businesses must adopt a structured approach. Below are foundational principles and actionable steps to ensure alignment with EAA standards:
Foundational Principles of Accessibility
The EN 301 549 standard underpins EAA compliance for websites and digital services. It incorporates the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA, which focus on:
- Perceivable content: Ensure all users can perceive content, regardless of physical or sensory limitations. Add descriptive alternative text ("alt text") for images, provide video captions or transcripts, and structure content for compatibility with screen readers.
- Operable design: Make the site navigable without requiring a mouse or touch controls. Include keyboard accessibility, clear focus indicators, and functional interactive elements like dropdown menus.
- Understandable structure: Create a logical, consistent structure. Use clear labeling, helpful error messages in forms, and uniform navigation elements to improve user understanding.
- Robust compatibility: Design the site to work well with various assistive technologies, including screen readers and voice recognition software. Conduct regular testing to ensure ongoing functionality.
Actionable Steps for Compliance
Here are key steps businesses can take:
- Conduct WCAG 2.1 AA Audits: Regularly review websites, apps, and media to identify gaps and prioritise updates, to stay compliant with WCAG 2.1.
- Ensure Accessible Media: Add captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts to videos. Use alt text for images and ensure proper color contrast.
- Provide Accessible Documentation: Ensure manuals and guides are compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers.
- Test Compatibility: Validate functionality with assistive technologies, including voice recognition software.
- Train Teams: Educate staff about accessibility best practices to ensure compliance at all stages of development.
- Partner with Experts: Consult accessibility specialists or use auditing tools to ensure adherence to EAA standards.
Media Accessibility Requirements: Detailed Examples and Compliance Actions
The following table combines examples of media types, their coverage under the EAA, and actionable compliance steps, as outlined in the WCAG framework.
Key Takeaways
- Internal content: Not covered but should accommodate disabilities where possible.
- External-facing media: Training videos, public webinars, video ads, and social media posts must meet accessibility standards.
- Archived media: Exempt if unchanged after June 28, 2025.
- Microenterprises: Businesses with fewer than 10 employees and under €2 million turnover are exempt.
Benefits of EAA Compliance
Complying with the European Accessibility Act and WCAG goes beyond meeting legal requirements—it’s an opportunity to drive meaningful change and gain a competitive edge. Accessibility is not just about inclusivity; it’s a strategic investment that benefits businesses, customers, and society. By prioritising accessibility, businesses can unlock growth opportunities and future-proof their operations for evolving regulations and expectations. Beyond legal compliance, accessibility offers several advantages:
1. Expand Your Customer Base
Reaching 87 million people in the EU with disabilities is not just inclusive but also an opportunity to tap into a significant market. Accessible products and services cater to this audience, driving customer acquisition and satisfaction.
2. Enhance Brand Reputation
Businesses that prioritise accessibility demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility. This fosters trust and loyalty among customers, employees, and partners. A strong reputation for inclusivity can set your company apart in competitive markets.
3. Drive Innovation
Accessibility fosters creativity, pushing businesses to design products and services that are user-friendly for everyone. For example, features developed for accessibility—such as voice commands—often benefit all users and lead to broader adoption of innovative solutions.
4. Increase Employee Engagement
Inclusive workplaces benefit from diverse talent. Employees with disabilities bring unique perspectives and problem-solving skills contributing to innovation and a positive work culture. Accessibility compliance extends to internal systems, making workplaces more equitable.
5. Future-Proof Your Business
Regulations and customer expectations around accessibility are evolving. By aligning early with EAA standards, businesses can reduce the risk of costly last-minute updates and position themselves as leaders in accessibility.
6. Unlock Funding and Partnerships
Many governments and organisations offer grants, incentives, or partnership opportunities for businesses committed to accessibility. Demonstrating compliance can open doors to resources and collaborations that fuel growth.
Conclusion
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a transformative step toward inclusivity in the EU. By embracing accessibility, businesses can comply with regulations, expand their audience, and strengthen their reputation. Start your compliance journey today to stay ahead of the 2025 deadline and lead the way in accessible innovation.
