Your Ultimate Guide to European Accessibility Act Compliance in 2025

2025 01 31 · 11 min read

The European Accessibility Act (EAA), also known as the EU Accessibility Act, represents a watershed moment in digital inclusion. As we approach the crucial 2025 deadline, organisations worldwide scramble to understand and implement these new requirements. 

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the complexities of this groundbreaking legislation. Discover whether your organisation falls under the EAA and gain insights into the compliance process. 

Understanding the European Accessibility Act 

The European Accessibility Act is the EU’s most comprehensive digital accessibility legislation to date. Unlike previous guidelines, it introduces legally binding requirements that impact on a wide range of products and services. More than just a regulatory hurdle, the EAA is a transformative framework reshaping how we approach digital accessibility. 

Its scope extends far beyond website compliance, covering everything from e-commerce platforms and banking services to e-books and telecommunications. 

For businesses, the EAA means standardised accessibility rules, lower costs, easier cross-border trade, and expanded market opportunities. For 87 million people with disabilities and millions of elderly citizens (expected to reach 129.8 million by 2050), it ensures more accessible, affordable products and services. Plus, it enables fewer barriers in daily life and increases job opportunities in accessibility-related fields.  

Why Was the EAA Introduced? 

The EAA was developed to eliminate accessibility barriers and create a more inclusive digital economy across the EU. Several key factors drove its introduction: 

Market fragmentation 

Before the EAA, each EU member state had its own accessibility laws, leading to a fragmented system that complicated compliance for businesses operating across borders. This lack of harmonisation increased costs, created legal uncertainty, and restricted market opportunities for accessible products and services. 

Digital exclusion 

Research showed that people with disabilities were paying nearly 3 times more for essential services due to limited accessibility options – especially during COVID-19. Many faced difficulties accessing online banking, e-commerce, public transport booking systems, and other digital services, further deepening economic and social inequalities. 

Technological evolution 

As digital technology advanced, the gap between accessibility needs and available solutions grew. The absence of standardised requirements meant that accessibility was often treated as an afterthought rather than an integral part of digital innovation, leaving many users excluded from new technological developments. 

Economic opportunity 

European Commision’s study estimated that improved accessibility could unlock a market worth 120 billion Euros annually in the EU alone. By making digital products and services more accessible, businesses can tap into a larger consumer base, drive innovation, and create new job opportunities in accessibility-related fields. 

By addressing these challenges, the EAA aims to harmonise accessibility standards, reduce compliance costs, and ensure that digital services are inclusive and accessible to all. 

Preparing for the EAA compliance 

Achieving compliance with the EAA requires a structured and proactive approach. Organisations must assess their current accessibility status, implement necessary changes, and establish long-term strategies to maintain compliance. Here is how to get started: 

1. Conduct a comprehensive UX accessibility audit 

A thorough UX accessibility audit is the first step towards compliance. This helps identify gaps and areas for improvement in digital products and services. Key elements of an audit include: 

2. Develop an Implementation Strategy 

Once the UX accessibility audit is complete, organisations should create a detailed plan to address identified accessibility gaps. Essential actions involve: 

3. Invest in Training and Development 

Accessibility compliance is an ongoing process that requires company-wide knowledge and expertise. Invest in training to ensure long-term success. Recommended training areas include: 

Preparing for EAA compliance involves a comprehensive approach that includes conducting a UX accessibility audit, developing an implementation strategy, and investing in training. By following these steps, organisations can ensure their digital products and services are accessible, compliant with the EAA, and usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. 

Understanding the organisational impact of the European Accessibility Act 

EAA is a shift towards inclusive digital experiences. To comply, organisations must take a holistic approach by embedding accessibility into their digital infrastructure, UX/UI design, content workflows, and customer interactions. A structured strategy, including accessibility consulting, UX accessibility audits, and training, is key to meeting compliance standards. 

Digital infrastructure 

A strong technical foundation ensures accessibility is integrated at every level. Key areas contain: 

Content creation and management 

Content teams play a crucial role in maintaining accessibility across all digital materials. Best practices include: 

Customer support systems 

An inclusive user experience extends beyond digital platforms, requiring accessible support channels. Organisations should: 

The European Accessibility Act impacts every department, requiring collaboration across UX/UI design, content management, and customer service teams. By leveraging accessibility consulting, conducting UX design audits, and embedding UX accessibility audits into processes, businesses can create a more inclusive experience while ensuring compliance. 

Industry-specific implementation of the EAA 

The EAA impacts industries differently, requiring tailored accessibility measures across various sectors. From e-commerce and finance to media, public services, and logistics, organisations must ensure their digital platforms and services are inclusive for all users. Here’s how different industries can align with EAA requirements: 

Public services 

Government and public institutions must prioritise accessibility in essential services, including: 

Logistics and transportation 

Transport and delivery services must implement accessibility measures to ensure inclusive mobility and service access: 

Financial institutions and banks 

Banks and financial institutions must remove accessibility barriers by implementing: 

Retail and eCommerce 

Online retailers must provide an accessible shopping experience, ensuring: 

Telecommunications 

The telecommunications industry must ensure that communication services are accessible to all users by implementing: 

Each industry must adapt its approach to meet the EAA’s accessibility standards. By integrating UX/UI accessibility, UX accessibility audits, and inclusive design principles, organisations can create a more user-friendly experience while ensuring compliance. 

WCAG: understanding accessibility guidelines 

EAA builds upon the WCAG, making its principles the foundation for technical compliance. While WCAG primarily focuses on web content, the EAA extends these standards to a broader range of digital products and services. This means organisations must integrate WCAG success criteria while also addressing additional EAA-specific requirements, such as accessibility features in hardware, software, and customer service channels.  

Achieving compliance requires a structured implementation strategy. WCAG serves as a baseline, but the EAA demands further measures, including detailed documentation, accessibility testing, and verification procedures. Organisations must also establish ongoing maintenance processes to ensure long-term compliance and adaptability to evolving accessibility needs. 

Comprehensive timeline for European Accessibility Act 2025 

Preparing for EAA compliance is a multi-phase process that requires careful planning and execution. Organisations must take a proactive approach to ensure they meet regulatory deadlines while integrating accessibility into their long-term digital strategies. The process unfolds in three key stages: 

By following this structured timeline, organisations can ensure EAA compliance and a more inclusive and user-friendly digital experience. Proactive accessibility management will help businesses remain competitive and improve user satisfaction. 

European Accessibility Act fines and penalties 

The EAA includes significant enforcement mechanisms, ensuring businesses comply with accessibility standards. Non-compliance can result in substantial financial and operational consequences, affecting both market access and brand reputation. 

Financial implications for EAA non-compliance 

• Substantial monetary penalties; 
• Market access restrictions;  
• Compliance cost considerations;  
• Business impact assessment;  
• Risk mitigation strategies. 

Financial penalties and fines across the EU 

Different EU countries have set specific fines for EAA non-compliance: 

• Ireland. Fines up to €60,000 and/or imprisonment for company’s CEO up to 18 months; 
• Sweden. Fines up to €200,000, with possible corrective action requirements; 
• Belgium. Fines range from €1,000 to €50,000, with potential business suspension for ongoing non-compliance; 
• France. Penalties as high as €250,000 for failing to ensure public-facing platforms are accessible; 
• Italy. Fines between €5,000 and €40,000, or up to 5% of a company’s turnover. 
• Germany. Fines reaching €100,000 for non-compliance. 

Operational impact for EAA non-compliance 

• Product withdrawal requirements;  
• Service modification needs;  
• Business process changes;  
• Resource allocation; 
• Reputation management. 

Compliance with the EAA is a strategic necessity. Addressing accessibility early can prevent costly penalties, improve business sustainability, and enhance customer trust. 

Your action plan for EAA compliance 

With the European Accessibility Act 2025 deadline approaching, proactive preparation is essential: 

Achieving accessibility goes beyond regulatory compliance, it fosters inclusivity and enhances user experience for all. The EAA sets the foundation for this transformation, but success depends on strategic planning, commitment, and expertise. 

Ready to make your digital services accessible? Our experts provide in-depth UX accessibility audits and guidance for full EAA compliance. Contact us to get started.