What is the European Accessibility Act?
According to Eurostat estimates, 27% of the EU population—101 million people--have some form of disability.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA), a directive of the European Union across all member states, ensures a baseline level of accessibility for digital products and services. The EAA regulations seek to eliminate usage barriers for individuals with disabilities by enforcing equal access to information, communication technologies, and other critical services.
What products and services does the EAA cover?
Understanding the European Accessibility Act
The EAA was officially adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in June 2019. Member states were given until June 28, 2022, to implement the directive into their national laws, ensuring that the requirements of the EAA are reflected in their legal systems.
From this point, companies and service providers have been given a deadline of June 28, 2025, to show they can comply with the objective set forth by the EAA.
Unlike regulations and laws in particular countries, the EAA doesn’t give specific directives or criteria for digital accessibility standards. For EAA compliance, organizations should align with accepted guidelines like the European Standard EN 301 549 (Accessibility Requirements for ICT Products and Services) and WCAG 2.1. However, it’s important to note that EN 301 549 is expected to be revised in 2025 and will likely include updated WCAG 2.2 standards.
Why compliance matters:
As the 2025 compliance deadline approaches, companies are urged to assess their current practices, invest in accessibility improvements, and embrace the benefits that a more inclusive digital world offers.
While the directive sets a common framework, the specific penalties for non-compliance will vary by country, as member states are responsible for enforcing the act through their national laws. Failure to comply with the EAA can result in significant legal actions, including substantial fines for glaring or repeated failures to meet accessibility standards. Besides financial consequences, non-compliance can damage an organization’s reputation, affecting customer trust and loyalty.
The European Accessibility Act represents a significant step forward in the journey towards inclusive digital environments. By setting out clear requirements and deadlines, the EAA encourages organizations to prioritize accessibility, not just as a legal necessity but as a moral and strategic imperative.
