Understanding the European Accessibility Act 2025

What is the European Accessibility Act 2025?

The EAA is a directive from the European Union that aims to harmonize accessibility requirements for certain products and services across member states. It is designed to eliminate barriers within the EU’s internal market that arise from divergent national laws. The Act is expected to benefit businesses, people with disabilities, and the elderly by clarifying existing accessibility obligations in EU law.

You can read more about how it benefits businesses in regards of growth, loyalty and improved SEO in our blogpost How accessibility drives growth and business value

Key Points of the Act

The legislation will come into effect on June 28, 2025, and will apply to a wide range of products and services, including:

• Computers and operating systems
• Payment terminals and self-service machines like ATMs and ticketing machines
• Smartphones and telecommunication equipment
• Digital television services and e-readers
• Telephony services and audiovisual media services
• Elements of transport services such as websites, mobile services, electronic tickets, and information
• Consumer banking, e-books, and e-commerce
• Emergency call services to the single European number ‘112’

The Act does not apply to pre-recorded media published before June 28, 2025, online maps if essential information is provided accessibly, content not updated after this date, and services provided by microenterprises.

Impact on Products and Services

Products must be designed to maximize usability for people with disabilities, complying with detailed rules on information, user interface, functionality design, support services, and packaging. Services must provide accessible information about their features and facilities, make websites and mobile devices easily accessible, and apply practices to address the needs of people with disabilities.

What companies and organizations are affected?

The EAA affects businesses based in the EU or those targeting the EU market. Compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is essential for web-based businesses. According to the direct

• news services (such as news websites)
• selling (books, financial services, travel services, etc.)
• advertising
• professional services (lawyers, doctors, estate agents)
• entertainment services
• basic intermediary services (internet access, transmission, and hosting of information)
• free services funded by advertising, sponsorship, etc.

Microenterprises are not affected

Microenterprise has been defined as: “an enterprise which employs fewer than 10 persons and which has an annual turnover or annual balance sheet not exceeding 2 million Euro.”. However, even if you fit into this category, you should plan for the future, specifically if you are planning for growing your business.

Conclusion

The European Accessibility Act 2025 is a forward-thinking initiative that promises to make the digital world more accessible to everyone. By setting a single set of rules for accessibility, the EU is not only helping individuals with disabilities but also providing clarity and consistency for businesses operating within its borders. As we approach the implementation date, it is crucial for companies to understand and prepare for the changes that the EAA will bring.

For more detailed information on the European Accessibility Act 2025, you can refer to the official EUR-Lex summary [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l24204] or the comprehensive guide by Forbes.