Navigating the European Accessibility Act - a practical guide for digital platforms

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is no longer a future concern — it comes into effect on 28 June 2025 and carries real obligations for businesses operating in the European Union.
If your business runs online and serves users in the EU, this directive affects you. And no — it’s not just about hardware or public-sector platforms. For many, this is a website-first issue.

What is the EAA?

Formally known as Directive (EU) 2019/882, the European Accessibility Act aims to standardize accessibility requirements across all EU member states. It’s intended to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to key products and services in the digital economy.

The directive was adopted on 17 April 2019, and EU countries were required to implement it into national law by 28 June 2022. The final compliance deadline for affected businesses is 28 June 2025.
Full directive text

Who must comply?

The EAA applies to businesses offering digital services within the EU — and that extends well beyond large corporations or device manufacturers. If you earn revenue through a digital platform or provide interactive services online, you’re very likely in scope.

This includes:

• E-commerce websites and marketplaces – any site selling goods or services to EU consumers.
• SaaS platforms – web-based applications, tools, or portals used by EU users, regardless of user type.
• Subscription services and digital content providers – from video platforms to gated publications.
• Booking and scheduling tools – including travel, events, hospitality, or appointment systems.
• Digital financial and service platforms – including fintech, billing portals, and account dashboards.
• Blogs or content platforms with monetization – if your site uses ads, affiliate links, donations, or paywalls.
• Corporate websites – especially those with login functionality, downloadable materials, or contact forms.

The directive is clear: if your digital presence plays a commercial or service-delivery role within the EU, it must be accessible. Even small businesses may need to comply — exemptions exist, but only for microenterprises in very limited service categories.

What are the accessibility requirements?

To comply, your digital services must follow four core principles:

• Perceivable – Information must be presented in ways that users can identify and process (e.g. clear structure, contrast, alt text).
• Operable – Interfaces must work with various input methods, including keyboard navigation.
• Understandable – Navigation, content, and interactions should be intuitive and predictable.
• Robust – Content must be compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers.

These align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, which the EAA references as the practical benchmark.

And for most businesses today, websites are the core delivery layer.
From onboarding and payments to account access and support, the website is often where the customer experience begins — and where the law expects accessibility to be guaranteed.

What you should be doing right now

The compliance deadline for the EAA is approaching fast, time is short — but still manageable if you focus on action.

1. Run an accessibility audit
   Start with a reality check. Identify where your website stands today, including navigation, structure, and screen reader compatibility.
2. Build an action plan
   Whether you’re working internally or with outside help, assign roles, prioritize fixes, and track progress toward compliance.
3. Begin implementation
   Focus on the most critical accessibility blockers first — visual clarity, keyboard access, focus management, and structure.
4. Establish long-term monitoring
   Compliance isn’t one-and-done. As your site evolves, so should its accessibility — especially for future content or feature releases.

Accessibility is no longer optional

The EAA doesn’t just define legal thresholds — it signals a shift in how digital experiences are expected to function in a modern, inclusive economy.

Making your website accessible isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It’s about opening your digital doors to every potential user, customer, or client — regardless of how they navigate the web.

If your website works well for everyone, you’re not just compliant. You’re competitive.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, consult a qualified legal expert.