The European Accessibility Act 2025
The European Accessibility Act 2025 aims to harmonize accessibility laws across the EU to ensure equal access to digital products across all countries in the EU. Moreover, this legislation is designed to create a more inclusive digital environment by setting clear standards for accessibility.
Why accessibility matters
Beyond legal compliance, accessibility provides several key benefits:
- Expanding Market Reach: Over 135 million people in the EU live with disabilities. Ensuring accessibility means reaching a broader customer base.
- Driving Innovation: Accessible design fosters better user experiences, often leading to more efficient and user-friendly products for all.
- Boosting SEO and Visibility: Search engines favour accessible websites. For example, features like alt text for images improve both accessibility and rankings. A higher ranking means more visibility, more visitors, and ultimately, more business opportunities.
- Building Customer Loyalty: Consumers prefer businesses that prioritize inclusivity, strengthening trust and brand reputation.
Consequences of non-compliance
Failing to comply with the EAA can result in:
- Legal penalties and fines
- Product restrictions or bans within the EU market
- Reputational damage and loss of customer trust
- Disqualification from public procurement opportunities
Key compliance requirements
The EAA follows the EN 301549 standard, which is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2. These guidelines are structured around four core principles (POUR):
- Perceivable – Content must be accessible via sight, sound, or touch (e.g., alt text for images, captions for videos).
- Operable – Users must be able to navigate and interact with content using a keyboard, mouse, or assistive technologies.
- Understandable – Information and navigation should be clear and easy to comprehend.
- Robust – Digital products must be compatible with current and future assistive technologies.
How to prepare for EAA compliance
- Conduct an accessibility audit: Assess your website and digital platforms to identify accessibility gaps.
- Create a remediation plan: Develop a roadmap to address accessibility issues and integrate improvements.
- Embed accessibility in your workflow: Ensure accessibility is considered at every stage of design, development, and content creation.
- Publish an accessibility statement: Clearly communicate your commitment to accessibility and any known limitations on your website. The statement should include:
- The standard you aim to meet (e.g., WCAG 2.2 AA).
- Date and summary of your most recent accessibility test
- List of known issues and your plan to fix them
- How users can report accessibility problems
Conclusion
As the European Accessibility Act deadline approaches, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to ensure compliance. In addition to avoiding legal repercussions, prioritizing accessibility leads to greater innovation, improved user experiences, and a more inclusive digital world.
To help you navigate these requirements, we’ve created a comprehensive EAA Compliance Checklist that breaks down everything you need to know.
Therefore, now is the time to act—embrace accessibility not just as a requirement, but as a competitive advantage.
Finally, if you need help on your accessibility journey, Nion is here to support you with expert guidance, audits, and compliance solutions. Together, we can make the digital world accessible to everyone.
Contact
Anna-Linnea Abrahamsson
Business Developer & Sales
anna-linnea.abrahamsson@nionit.com
Jakov Manojlovski
Web Specialist & Resource Manager
jakov.manojlovski@nionit.com
written by Anna-Linnea Abrahamson