The European Accessibility Act
Why Accessibility Is Now a Legal Requirement for Your Website
- Markus Pichorner
TL;DR
From June 28, 2025, EU law requires websites and apps to meet accessibility standards. Following WCAG 2.1 Level AA improves usability, widens reach, and ensures compliance. Accessibility is not just legal, it’s good design that benefits everyone.
Digital accessibility is no longer optional. Starting June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) mandates that websites and mobile applications across the EU meet specific accessibility standards. This law aims to ensure that people with disabilities can access and use digital services equally.
What the EAA requires
Websites and mobile applications of public and private sector entities
E-commerce platforms
Online banking services
Ticketing and self-service kiosks
Digital content like e-books and media services
To comply, digital services must adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. This includes providing text alternatives for non-text content, ensuring content is navigable via keyboard, and making content readable and understandable.
Why it matters
Non-compliance with the EAA can result in:
Fines up to €500,000 in some EU countries
Legal actions and reputational damage
Restricted access to the EU market
Conversely, accessible websites enhance user experience, increase reach, and demonstrate social responsibility.
What changes for businesses
Companies must audit their digital products, adjust design and content to meet accessibility standards, and maintain compliance as platforms evolve. Accessibility should be considered from the start of every design or development project rather than as an afterthought.
The bigger picture
The EAA represents a shift toward inclusivity in the digital world. Accessibility benefits everyone: keyboard-friendly navigation helps power users, captions support learning, and clear layouts improve overall usability. Designing for accessibility is designing for better experiences for all users.