Note: this article describes the EU regulatory framework. The European Accessibility Act is EU legislation that does not apply in the United Kingdom and only concerns products and services offered in the European Union; in the UK the main references are the Equality Act 2010 and, for public sector bodies, the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (PSBAR). UK organisations that offer products or services in the EU may still fall within the scope of the EAA for those offerings.

As of 28 June 2025, web accessibility has become a legal obligation for many companies that offer digital products and services to consumers in the European Union, under the European Accessibility Act (EAA). This legislation represents a significant change for the European digital landscape, emphasising universal access to the web and digital services, regardless of users' physical or cognitive capabilities. But what exactly does this mean for companies, and how can they best prepare to meet the deadline?

What is the European Accessibility Act?

The European Accessibility Act is ambitious legislation introduced by the European Union to reduce the digital barriers that people with disabilities face on a daily basis. It covers not only web browsing, but extends to a wide range of digital products and services, including mobile applications, e-commerce platforms, ATMs, ticket machines and e-book readers. The main objective of the EAA is to promote an inclusive digital environment in which people with disabilities have equal access to information, products and services.

The EAA concerns certain digital products and services aimed at consumers (for example e-commerce, banking services, transport, electronic communications and e-books), with an exemption for microenterprises providing services (fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover of no more than EUR 2 million). For companies that offer the products and services within the scope of the directive, the EAA means a significant change in the way websites and apps must be designed and managed. Whether an organisation falls within the scope of the directive has to be checked case by case, depending on the country, the sector and the service offered; if you trade only in the UK, the EAA does not apply to you.

Implications for Companies

As the deadline approaches, the companies concerned will have to meet strict accessibility requirements, defined by the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) which form the framework for the creation of accessible web content. The WCAG comprise a set of technical and practical requirements designed to ensure that people with disabilities can use websites and apps as easily as anyone else.

The main requirements include:

  • Compatibility with screen readers Websites must be easily accessible for visually impaired persons using screen readers. This means that all visual content must be accompanied by a text description that can be 'read' by these tools.
  • Keyboard navigation It is essential that a site is navigable entirely by keyboard, as some persons with motor disabilities may not be able to use a mouse.
  • Alternative texts for images Each image must be accompanied by an alternative descriptive text that enables the visually impaired to understand the visual content.
  • Colour contrast In order to ensure that texts are also readable by visually impaired persons, it is important that there is adequate contrast between the text and the background.
  • Reducing distracting elements animations, pop-ups or other visual elements that may disturb users' attention must be reduced or made inoperable.

Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to significant consequences. Non-compliant companies not only risk high fines, but could also face lawsuits and damage to their reputation. In a world increasingly focused on inclusive practices, non-compliance with the EAA could alienate a large portion of the public.

How to prepare for the European Accessibility Act

With the 2025 deadline ever closer, preparing in advance is crucial. Waiting until the last moment could put companies at a disadvantage, with the risk of having to make hasty and poorly optimised changes. Instead, companies that act now will have time to implement a solid and well-structured compliance plan, avoiding the last-minute rush.

A useful first step is an accessibility audit of an agreed set of pages and features, combining automated scans with manual checks by human auditors. Such an audit looks at usability issues for people with visual, hearing or motor disabilities and at compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies. No audit, however thorough, can guarantee that every barrier on an entire site has been found.

In this context, specialised services such as those offered by Accessibi can make all the difference. Accessibi not only offers an in-depth analysis of critical site issues, but also provides easy-to-implement solutions, helping companies align, within the agreed scope, with the requirements of WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA, the technical reference cited by the EAA. The advantage of using a platform like Accessibi lies in the simplicity of the process: a team of experts follows each step, from the identification of problems to the implementation of solutions, minimising the time and resources required of companies.

Why act now?

Beyond reducing the risk of complaints and disputes — a risk that can be reduced but never eliminated — there are many reasons why companies should act now and work on the accessibility of their sites. First of all, an accessible site does not only benefit people with disabilities: it improves the user experience for everyone. A well-structured site with intuitive navigation and easy-to-read content is more enjoyable to use for everyone, regardless of ability. This translates into greater user engagement, more time spent on the site and, ultimately, higher conversions.

In addition, many accessibility good practices (alternative text, semantic structure, clear headings) also make a site easier for search engines to read. A site built to WCAG can be used by many more people and usually has a clearer structure, which can help search engines crawl it. Accessibility is not, however, a ranking factor declared by search engines, and no standard makes a site usable by absolutely everyone.

Another aspect to consider is corporate reputation. At a time when inclusivity and social responsibility are major issues, demonstrating a commitment to digital accessibility can improve brand image. Companies that show attention to the needs of all their customers, including those with disabilities, build a stronger and more trustworthy reputation.

How Accessibi can support you with the technical work

Preparing for the arrival of European Accessibility Act may seem a complex challenge, but with Accessibi the process becomes simple and manageable. Our team of experts will guide you through every step of the way, from the initial analysis to the implementation of changes, with the aim of reaching WCAG level AA within the audited scope. Technical conformance alone does not amount to meeting every legal obligation, which depends on the country, the sector and the service.

Don't wait until the last minute: act now and turn accessibility into an opportunity to improve your site and provide a better experience for your users. This article is for information only and does not constitute legal advice: check the obligations that apply to you with your own advisers.