Dear WCAG Plus Forum community members,
As you know, June 28, 2025 marked a watershed date for digital accessibility in Europe: the European Accessibility Act (EAA) officially came into full force across all EU Member States. This means that companies falling within its scope are now legally required to ensure their products and services are accessible to people with disabilities.
After these first few days of full application, here are some key points and initial reactions that are emerging:
1. Compliance is Now Mandatory (and not just for EU companies):
The EAA is no longer a recommendation. Companies registered in an EU country, as well as non-EU companies selling products or services to customers in the Union, must now comply with accessibility requirements for a wide range of digital products and services (e-commerce, mobile apps, self-service terminals, electronic communication services, etc.).
2. Penalties and Risks are Real:
Each Member State will set its own penalties for non-compliance, which can include significant fines (e.g., up to €250,000 in France, or up to 5% of turnover in Italy for severe cases) and the possibility of legal action by users. Brand reputation is also at stake.
3. Most Companies Are Not Yet Ready:
A recent report (Evinced, June 26, 2025) revealed that most European companies are not yet fully prepared for the EAA. Only 27% consider themselves fully compliant, while a significant portion is "somewhat prepared" or "not prepared at all." This suggests there will be a period of intense activity and, potentially, challenges for many organizations.
4. Transition Periods for Certain Elements:
It's important to remember that while the EAA is in force, there are transition periods for some pre-existing products and services. For example, products used before June 28, 2025, in the provision of a service have a 5-year period (until June 28, 2030) to comply, unless they are replaced earlier. Existing self-service terminals may be used until the end of their lifespan (maximum 20 years).
5. Initiatives and Commitments Continue:
Organizations like AccessibleEU are holding events (e.g., in Brussels on July 1st and 3rd) to discuss the EAA's impact and promote uniform application. Even large companies like Microsoft have reaffirmed their commitment to accessibility in light of the law's entry into force.
What does this mean for our community?
The EAA's entry into force makes the discussion on accessibility more urgent and relevant than ever. This forum is the ideal place to share your experiences, ask questions about compliance challenges, discuss best practices, and find collective solutions.
We invite all of you to contribute:
- Have you already experienced the initial impacts of the EAA in your organization?
- Do you have specific questions about compliance requirements or strategies?
- Do you want to share resources or case studies on how you are approaching the EAA?
Warm regards,
Michele (wcgadmfrm)
WCAG Plus Forum Team