Important Announcement: European Accessibility Act
Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2025 8:34 am
Crucial Announcement: The European Accessibility Act (EAA) Comes into Force Tomorrow, June 28, 2025 – A New Era for Accessibility in Europe!
Dear WCAG Plus Forum members, accessibility enthusiasts, and digital professionals,
We stand on the brink of a historic moment that will redefine the landscape of accessibility across the entire European Union. As of tomorrow, June 28, 2025, Directive (EU) 2019/882, better known as the European Accessibility Act (EAA), will become fully operational in all Member States. This is not merely an update, but a monumental shift that will transform how products and services are conceived, developed, and delivered, with a direct impact on the lives of millions of people with disabilities.
A Mandate for Inclusion: What is the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA is a legislative directive of the European Union whose primary purpose is to harmonize accessibility requirements for specific products and services within the European single market. The objective is twofold: on one hand, to remove barriers preventing people with disabilities from accessing essential goods and services; on the other, to create a more competitive and innovative market for companies developing accessible solutions.
Until now, accessibility requirements in Europe were fragmented, with different laws from country to country. This created uncertainty for businesses and limited access for citizens. The EAA aims to overcome this fragmentation by establishing common minimum requirements and providing a solid foundation for a more inclusive Europe.
Which Products and Services Are Specifically Affected?
The scope of the EAA is vast and covers key sectors of the economy and daily life. It is crucial to understand exactly what falls under the directive:
Products:
Impact and Requirements: The Link with WCAG
While the EAA does not explicitly cite WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) as the exclusive standard, the technical requirements it establishes are strongly aligned with the principles and success criteria of WCAG. In practice, adhering to WCAG 2.1 (or later) Levels A and AA will be the most common and recommended path for companies to demonstrate compliance with the EAA's digital requirements.
This means that our work and discussions here on WCAG Plus Forum become even more relevant and vital. Companies will need to ensure that:
Although the directive comes into force tomorrow, compliance is not a single event but a continuous process. Member States have had time to transpose the directive into their national laws, and companies have had a transition period to prepare. However, June 28, 2025, marks the point where full compliance becomes a legal obligation with related consequences for non-observance.
Opportunities and Challenges for Businesses and Professionals:
The EAA presents both challenges and enormous opportunities:
Challenges:
In this evolving context, WCAG Plus Forum can play a crucial role. We are here to:
It's an exciting and challenging time for accessibility in Europe. Let's work together to build an accessible digital future for all!
Warm regards,
Michele (wcgadmfrm)
WCAG Plus Forum Team
Dear WCAG Plus Forum members, accessibility enthusiasts, and digital professionals,
We stand on the brink of a historic moment that will redefine the landscape of accessibility across the entire European Union. As of tomorrow, June 28, 2025, Directive (EU) 2019/882, better known as the European Accessibility Act (EAA), will become fully operational in all Member States. This is not merely an update, but a monumental shift that will transform how products and services are conceived, developed, and delivered, with a direct impact on the lives of millions of people with disabilities.
A Mandate for Inclusion: What is the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA is a legislative directive of the European Union whose primary purpose is to harmonize accessibility requirements for specific products and services within the European single market. The objective is twofold: on one hand, to remove barriers preventing people with disabilities from accessing essential goods and services; on the other, to create a more competitive and innovative market for companies developing accessible solutions.
Until now, accessibility requirements in Europe were fragmented, with different laws from country to country. This created uncertainty for businesses and limited access for citizens. The EAA aims to overcome this fragmentation by establishing common minimum requirements and providing a solid foundation for a more inclusive Europe.
Which Products and Services Are Specifically Affected?
The scope of the EAA is vast and covers key sectors of the economy and daily life. It is crucial to understand exactly what falls under the directive:
Products:
- Computers and operating systems: including laptops, desktops, and related software.
- Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices: and their operating systems.
- Digital television equipment: connected to interactive digital TV services.
- Self-service terminals for ticketing and check-in: such as those at airports and railway stations.
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) and payment terminals.
- Routers, modems, and electronic communication equipment: consumer hardware.
- E-readers: devices for reading electronic books.
- Consumer banking services: including online banking services and mobile apps.
- E-commerce services: websites and apps for online purchases.
- Passenger transport services: websites, mobile apps, electronic ticketing, and transport information (air, rail, bus, and waterborne).
- Electronic communication services: including telephony and internet services (user interfaces and customer support services).
- Audiovisual media services: such as TV streaming and VOD (video on demand) platforms, including websites and apps.
- E-book services: including dedicated reading software.
- Emergency numbers: including access to the single European emergency number 112.
Impact and Requirements: The Link with WCAG
While the EAA does not explicitly cite WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) as the exclusive standard, the technical requirements it establishes are strongly aligned with the principles and success criteria of WCAG. In practice, adhering to WCAG 2.1 (or later) Levels A and AA will be the most common and recommended path for companies to demonstrate compliance with the EAA's digital requirements.
This means that our work and discussions here on WCAG Plus Forum become even more relevant and vital. Companies will need to ensure that:
- Their websites are keyboard navigable.
- Color contrast is sufficient.
- Non-text content has alternatives.
- Information is understandable for everyone.
- Digital services are compatible with assistive technologies.
Although the directive comes into force tomorrow, compliance is not a single event but a continuous process. Member States have had time to transpose the directive into their national laws, and companies have had a transition period to prepare. However, June 28, 2025, marks the point where full compliance becomes a legal obligation with related consequences for non-observance.
Opportunities and Challenges for Businesses and Professionals:
The EAA presents both challenges and enormous opportunities:
Challenges:
- Complexity of Adaptation: Many companies, particularly SMEs, may find it difficult to understand and implement all requirements.
- Initial Costs: Investments in training, tools, and accessibility development can be significant.
- Lack of Expertise: The shortage of accessibility specialists can slow down processes.
- Opening New Markets: Reaching a vast segment of the population (approximately 80 million people with disabilities in Europe) previously excluded.
- Improved Usability for All: Accessible solutions often benefit all users, not just those with disabilities.
- Innovation: The need for compliance can stimulate new creative solutions and technologies.
- Competitive Advantage: Proactive companies can stand out.
- Reduced Legal Risk: Avoiding penalties and legal disputes.
In this evolving context, WCAG Plus Forum can play a crucial role. We are here to:
- Share Knowledge: Discuss interpretations of the EAA and best practices for implementation.
- Offer Support: Help resolve specific issues related to compliance.
- Promote Awareness: Continue to educate on the importance of accessibility.
- Develop Solutions: Collaborate to find innovative approaches.
It's an exciting and challenging time for accessibility in Europe. Let's work together to build an accessible digital future for all!
Warm regards,
Michele (wcgadmfrm)
WCAG Plus Forum Team