The European Commission is making big steps to close the digital gap and make sure everyone can join in. This is through the European Accessibility Act or EU Accessibility Law (EAA), which starts in June 2025. It will help around 135 million people with disabilities in EU countries by making digital services and products more accessible1.
This law will cover things like websites, online shops, banking online, and ATMs. They must follow new European Union accessibility standards1. The EAA follows the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). It makes sure content is easy to see, use, understand, and strong for disabled users.
The EAA 2025 will affect many businesses. It will cover any business with 10 staff or more and a turnover over €2 million2. UK businesses that work with the EU will also need to make their digital services more accessible. Not doing so could lead to fines of up to €1,000,0001. Even though the UK hasn’t made a law like the EAA, following these standards could help UK companies stay ahead in the EU market.
Key Takeaways
- The European Accessibility Act (EAA) 2025 addresses inclusivity for around 135 million individuals with disabilities in EU states1.
- The act mandates digital accessibility compliance for a diverse array of services, including websites, e-commerce, e-banking, and ATMs2.
- Businesses must adhere to the EAA standards by June 28th, 2025, to avoid significant fines1.
- The EAA principles are based on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the WCAG1.
- UK businesses interacting with the EU market need to update their accessibility standards in line with the EAA2.
- Non-compliance with the EAA may result in fines, legal charges, and reputational damage2.
Understanding the European Accessibility Act 2025
The European Accessibility Act 2025 (EAA) aims to make the EU more accessible for everyone, including those with disabilities. It’s a big step towards making sure everyone can use digital and physical spaces equally. This law is key to tackling differences and making the EU more inclusive.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act sets basic standards for accessibility across the EU. It was made in 2019 as Directive (EU) 2019/882. Its main goal is to give people with disabilities better access to goods and services in the EU market3. It will help around 87 million people in the EU with disabilities, which is almost one-fifth of the population, and also older people with temporary impairments4.
The Scope of the EAA 2025
The EAA 2025 covers many areas like digital tools, banking, and media. It includes products like computers, phones, TVs, ATMs, e-readers, and ticket machines. Services like online communication, banking, shopping online, transport, e-books, and streaming are also covered5. Countries have three years to make the law their own and follow it3. The law looks at both digital and physical accessibility, making sure nothing is left out4.
Compliance Requirements for Businesses
Businesses, especially online ones, must follow strict rules to meet the EAA 2025. Websites must be built to WCAG 2.1 A standards at least, and AA or higher for some users, following EN 301 549 rules5. Companies should check their online platforms regularly to find and fix accessibility issues, staying up to date with the rules4.
There’s a strict deadline for following the law, by June 28, 20254. This is similar to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), showing businesses need to start preparing early to avoid problems and fines4. Small businesses don’t have to follow these rules, but bigger ones should teach their staff about accessibility to stay in line5.
The EAA is based on the UNCRPD, which sees accessibility as a basic human right. Companies need to see their role not just in following the law, but in creating a more inclusive society.
Key Requirements of the EU Accessibility Law 2025
The EU Accessibility Law 2025 sets strict rules to boost digital inclusion. We’ll look at the main areas touched by these new rules. They aim to make things easier for people with disabilities.
Digital Accessibility
Making websites and digital services easy for everyone, including those with disabilities, is key. This follows WCAG standards to make sure content can be used without a mouse, with voice commands, or using assistive tech. About 80% of EU accessibility problems are due to blindness, low vision, or colour blindness6.
Audiovisual Media Accessibility
The EU Accessibility Law 2025 says audiovisual media must have features like audio descriptions and closed captions. This helps people with hearing and visual impairments. It makes sure everyone can enjoy media without leaving anyone out7.
Banking Accessibility
Accessibility in banking is also key under the EU law. This means making ATMs audio-assistive and banking apps easy to use. It lets people with disabilities do their banking on their own and safely. Companies that don’t follow these rules could face big fines6.
Assistive Technologies Integration
The EAA 2025 pushes for more assistive tech use by making digital products better work together. It’s about adding ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) semantics. This helps web developers share info about their web content’s structure and how it works. With 135 million people in the EU living with disabilities, this is very important7.
Electronic Communication Accessibility
Services like emails, messaging, and mobile phones must be easy for disabled people to use. The law requires companies to check their accessibility, train staff, and report on their efforts. Following web accessibility guidelines can make customers happier and more loyal, offering a better experience for everyone7.
Conclusion
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is set to change the digital world by June 28, 2025. It will make products like computers, smartphones, and online services easier for everyone to use8. Companies must follow rules, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 level A and AA, to stay legal and competitive8.
Following EU accessibility standards helps companies avoid fines and boosts their image8. It also attracts customers with disabilities, making them more loyal. This shows that being accessible is good for business and right for society8.
Companies from anywhere must follow EU rules if they work in EU countries8. Using tools like Monsido’s Web Accessibility Module helps them meet these standards easily8. The EU’s new law is a big step towards a digital world that includes everyone, driving innovation and growth.
Source Links
- https://www.tdmp.co.uk/insights/european-accessibility-act-2025-everything-you-need-know
- https://abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/your-questions-about-european-accessibility-act-EAA
- https://www.edf-feph.org/content/uploads/2020/12/final_edf_transposition_toolkit_accessibility_act.pdf
- https://www.hurix.com/what-is-the-european-accessibility-act/
- https://www.impactmedia.co.uk/insights/what-you-should-know-about-the-european-accessibility-act-2025/
- https://www.vaimo.com/blog/the-european-accessibility-act-2025-what-businesses-need-to-do/
- https://userway.org/blog/european-accessibility-act/
- https://www.acquia.com/web-accessibility-legislation/eaa
