European Accessibility Act (EAA): what changes from 28 June 2025
Alessandro Papa4 min read
IN SHORT
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) marks a significant turning point for the web and digital in Europe. From 28 June 2025, companies providing digital services, e-commerce, mobile apps and online platforms will have to meet new accessibility requirements, in line with the WCAG 2.1 (level AA) standards. This legislation aims to remove digital barriers, ensuring […]
Topic of our service Web & E-commerce
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) marks a significant turning point for the web and digital in Europe. From 28 June 2025, companies providing digital services, e-commerce, mobile apps and online platforms will have to meet new accessibility requirements, in line with the WCAG 2.1 (level AA) standards.
This legislation aims to remove digital barriers, ensuring that all citizens, including people with disabilities, can access content and use online services without obstacles.
In this article we look in detail at:
• What the European Accessibility Act is and why it was introduced
• Who has to comply
• Which technical requirements must be met
• How to prepare for the 28 June 2025 deadline
If you run a website or a digital platform, it’s essential to understand these changes and adopt the solutions needed to stay compliant.
What is the EAA (European Accessibility Act) and why does it matter?
The EAA (EU Directive 2019/882) is a piece of European Union legislation that requires uniform accessibility standards to be adopted for digital products and services.
Until now, web accessibility was mainly regulated for public administration websites. With the EAA, private companies will also be required to ensure that their digital services are accessible to everyone.
The main goals of the legislation are:
• Making digital inclusive, removing obstacles that prevent people with disabilities from using websites, e-commerce stores, apps and online services.
• Harmonising the rules at European level, avoiding fragmentation between member states.
• Increasing business competitiveness, improving the user experience and widening the potential audience.
Adopting the EAA isn’t just a legal obligation, it’s also a great opportunity to improve the usability of your website and reach a wider audience.
Who has to comply with the EAA?
The legislation covers a wide range of sectors and businesses.
Who must comply with the EAA?
✔ Private companies with more than 10 employees or turnover above 2 million euros
✔ E-commerce stores and online marketplaces
✔ Digital banking and financial services
✔ Transport companies (air, rail, sea, road) with online booking systems
✔ E-learning and online training platforms
✔ Telecommunications and electronic communication services
✔ Social networks and digital platforms
Microenterprises (fewer than 10 employees and turnover below 2 million euros) are exempt from the obligation, but adopting accessibility standards is still recommended to improve the quality of the service.
What requirements must be met to comply with the EAA?
The EAA is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, level AA, an international standard that sets out best practice for ensuring digital accessibility.
Visual accessibility and text content
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A minimum contrast of 4.5:1 between text and background to improve readability.
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Alternative text (alt text) for images and non-text content, so that it can be interpreted by screen readers.
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Avoiding text overlaid on images or complex backgrounds that compromise readability.
Navigation and interaction
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The site must be navigable without a mouse, using only the keyboard.
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Consistent menus and page structures, to help users find their way.
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Visible navigation indicators, to show clearly where the user is within the site.
Support for assistive technologies
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Compatibility with screen readers and Braille displays.
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Clear, well-defined interactive elements, such as buttons and links with precise descriptions.
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Forms that can be filled in without barriers, with clear error messages and suggestions for correcting them.
Accessible multimedia content
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Subtitles and transcripts for video and audio content.
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Avoiding flashing elements or visual effects that could trigger photosensitive epilepsy.
Accessibility testing and maintenance
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Regular accessibility audits, to check compliance with WCAG.
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Involving experts and users with disabilities in usability testing.
Why complying with the EAA pays off
Beyond the legal obligation, making your website accessible brings concrete benefits:
• Greater inclusivity → An accessible site can be used by a wider audience.
• Better SEO and Google rankings → Search engines reward well-structured, accessible sites.
• An improved user experience → A clear, intuitive interface makes navigation easier for all users.
• Reputation and legal compliance → Complying with the EAA shows a commitment to digital inclusion and reduces the risk of penalties.
How to prepare for the 28 June 2025 deadline?
To avoid problems and comply without stress, it’s advisable to adopt an action plan.
Steps to compliance
1️⃣ Analyse your current site with accessibility checking tools.
2️⃣ Adapt the structure and design according to WCAG 2.1.
3️⃣ Check compatibility with screen readers and assistive technologies.
4️⃣ Carry out regular accessibility tests, involving real users.
5️⃣ Keep content constantly up to date, making sure every new element meets accessibility standards.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) represents a fundamental change for digital in Europe. Complying isn’t just a legal obligation, but an opportunity to improve your website’s usability, widen your audience and show a concrete commitment to inclusion.
If you haven’t yet started the compliance process, the time to act is now. 28 June 2025 is closer than it looks, and being ready ahead of time can make all the difference.
