The law wants to make the digital world more accessible. If you’re able to see, hear or move well or not; everyone needs to be able to work the same way.
The European Union has taken a significant step towards an inclusive society with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), ensuring everyone, including people with disabilities, has equal access to products and services. This means that websites, apps, payment terminals, online stores, and banks must also be accessible.
What should businesses know about the European Accessibility Act and what should they do about it?
Usable for Everyone
The EAA is a directive from the European Union that requires member states to incorporate accessibility rules into their national legislation. This allows people with disabilities to use social services in the same way, without being deterred or hindered by potential technological limitations.
The rules apply to commonly used products and services such as computers, smartphones, payment terminals, e-books, transportation, banking, and e-commerce. Essentially, anything that can be used digitally on a daily basis falls under the law. Services and new products falling under this must be accessible by June 28, 2025. Existing products have a deferral until 2030.
Removing Obstacles
There are more than eighty million Europeans with disabilities. Too often, they cannot use digital services because websites are unreadable, forms cannot be read aloud, or videos lack subtitles.
The EAA aims to remove these obstacles. It not only benefits society but also offers a smart way to reduce costs. A single harmonized market means fewer duplicate expenses and greater efficiency for businesses. Furthermore, accessible design often results in better, more user-friendly technology for everyone. Thus, the regulation not only eases the lives of millions of Europeans but also boosts the innovation and competitiveness of European enterprises.
What Does this Mean for Businesses?
The EAA invites businesses to think differently. Accessibility must become a core component in the development of every project. A website, app, or service must naturally be usable for all customers, regardless of their purpose.
It must be a conscious choice: texts must be readable, contrasts clear, buttons logically placed. A video without subtitles or a form that can only be filled out with a keyboard should no longer occur.
What are the Consequences if You Do not Comply?
The EAA is not a non-binding directive. It has been incorporated into national legislation in Belgium since June 28, 2025, and the government will monitor compliance. Companies that do not respect the rules may be fined by the competent authorities or have to cease their activities. Inspections will be conducted, and people can file complaints if they believe a product or service is not accessible.
“Fines can amount to 3 million euros,” writes Combell, “but often the loss of trust is worse for a company.” Waarden en normen worden steeds belangrijker bij de publieke perceptie van een bedrijf. “Door in te zetten op toegankelijkheid straal je als bedrijf maatschappelijk vertrouwen uit.”
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The European Accessibility Act: What should You Consider?
Customers may drop off if they notice that a service does not work for everyone. Companies that do focus on accessibility also reap the benefits.
It is also the case that a significant portion of the population cannot use certain services and therefore chooses competitors who do. The later you implement the required adjustments, the more expensive it becomes. In the design phase, they cost less time and money than if companies have to solve the problems afterward.
Easier than it Seems
Making services, sites, or apps accessible sounds more challenging than it is. Can someone with poor vision enlarge the text? Does the website work without a mouse? Can a deaf user understand what is being said in a video?
Often you find that small adjustments like clearer titles, subtitles, or better contrast already make a big difference. Investing time in this today prevents expensive adjustments or complaints later.