The global shift toward inclusive digital experiences is accelerating, and the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is at the centre of that transformation. Starting June 28, 2025, organisations offering digital products or services in the European Union must ensure accessibility for users with disabilities. This applies to websites, mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, software, streaming services, online banking, and even self-service terminals.

If your business serves EU customers online, EAA compliance is mandatory. The good news? Preparing early not only prevents penalties but also strengthens user trust, improves SEO, and expands your total addressable market.

What Is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

The EAA requires companies to eliminate digital barriers and ensure equal access for users with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments. It affects both physical and digital products, enforcing fairness across essential services like payments, communication, education, transportation, and retail.

Why Digital Accessibility Matters More Than Ever

Accessibility is evolving from a legal requirement to a user experience priority:

• 135+ million EU residents live with a disability
• Accessible platforms convert better and have lower abandonment rates
• Google and AI platforms increasingly prioritise accessible websites
• Accessibility builds credibility and trust in modern brands

Investing in accessibility is both ethically responsible and commercially rewarding.

Who Must Comply with the European Accessibility Act in 2025?

The EAA applies to organisations that develop or distribute digital products and services in the EU, including:

• E-commerce websites & mobile apps
• Financial and digital banking services
• Telecommunication platforms
• E-books & digital publishing tools
• Audiovisual streaming platforms
• Transport ticketing & reservation systems
• Customer support channels & chatbots
• Self-service terminals (ATMs, ticket machines, kiosks)

Companies outside the EU are also required to comply if they provide services to EU users.

Your Key Obligations Under the EAA

Businesses must ensure:

• Accessible digital interfaces: readable fonts, screen-reader support, logical navigation, adaptable layouts
• Inclusive customer support: support options accessible to users with disabilities
• Accessibility-first product design: compatibility with assistive tech, tactile controls, adjustable settings
• Transparent accessibility statements: published and updated regularly

Following WCAG 2.1 Level AA and EN 301 549 is widely recognised as the most reliable route to compliance.

A Practical Roadmap to EAA Compliance (2025)

The most effective way to prepare is by following the Assess → Address → Embed model.

1. Assess Your Accessibility Status
   Start by understanding where you stand.
   Identify in-scope products and services
   List every digital touchpoint, such as e-commerce flows, apps, downloadable content, video tutorials, support portals, and kiosks.
   
   Conduct an accessibility audit
   Review your digital assets against WCAG 2.1 Level AA / EN 301 549 standards. A full audit should include:
   

• Automated scans using tools like Axe, Wave, or Lighthouse
• Manual testing with assistive technologies (NVDA, VoiceOver)
• User testing with people with disabilities
  
  Document everything
  Tracking your findings, barriers, and priorities is essential during enforcement checks.
  
  Tip: Many businesses use a website compliance checklist, website accessibility testing checklist, or accessibility testing checklist to ensure no accessibility criteria are missed during auditing.

2. Address and Remediate Issues
   Once accessibility gaps are identified, take action.
   
   Prioritise blockers first
   Resolve issues preventing users from completing core actions—such as inaccessible checkout buttons, missing form labels, or poor keyboard navigation.
   
   Implement accessibility improvements
   Examples include:
   

• Adding alt text to images
• Ensuring proper colour contrast
• Providing captions and transcripts
• Enabling full keyboard navigation
• Avoiding auto-playing or flashing content
• Ensure all interactive and non- interactive elements are fully programmatically accessible to screen readers.
  
  Create and publish an Accessibility Statement
  This statement should list your current accessibility level, known issues, plans for improvements, and feedback channels for users.
  
  Update procurement policies
  Request VPATs / ACRs from third-party vendors to ensure their tools d0oon’t compromise your accessibility progress.

3.  Embed Accessibility into Your Digital Workflow
   Accessibility cannot be a one-time project.
   
   Shift accessibility to the start of product development
   Include accessibility checks in design systems, prototyping, sprint planning, and QA workflows.
   
   Offer role-specific training
   Designers, developers, content writers, support agents, and product managers should all understand accessibility responsibilities.
   
   Create accessible feedback channels
   Give users the ability to report accessibility issues and respond consistently.
   
   Monitor compliance continuously
   Schedule regular accessibility testing to ensure product updates do not undo progress.

EAA Compliance Beyond 2025: A Cultural Shift

Compliance is the beginning not the finish line. Leading organisations move from “meeting minimum standards” to “baking accessibility into their culture.”

Future-proof digital teams:

• Maintain up-to-date accessibility documentation
• Own a shared design system with accessible components
• Include accessibility metrics in team KPIs
• Regularly update internal website compliance checklists and accessibility testing checklists
• Bring users with disabilities into ongoing user research
  Accessibility is not maintenance it’s innovation.

Final Thoughts

The European Accessibility Act will transform digital access across the EU and organisations that prepare early will gain a competitive advantage. By following the right roadmap:

Assess — audit your current level of accessibility
Address — fix issues, improve UX, and publish your accessibility statement
Embed — integrate accessibility into everyday workflows

The June 28, 2025 deadline is approaching fast, and the time to act is now. Making your digital products accessible isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating digital experiences that work for everyone.