The European Accessibility Act (EAA) 2025 – A primer
Introduction
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force in 2025, introducing a groundbreaking shift in how businesses across the EU provide accessible services and digital experiences. This legislation impacts a broad range of industries, including e-commerce, banking, and public services, making accessibility compliance a top priority for web designers and developers.
If your website or digital service caters to users in the EU, here’s everything you need to know to ensure compliance with the EAA.
What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The EAA is an EU-wide directive aimed at creating a more inclusive digital environment by mandating accessibility standards for a range of products and services. It builds on the principles of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), particularly version 2.1, to ensure equitable access for users with disabilities.
The act applies to businesses providing:
- E-commerce platforms
- Banking services
- Telecommunication tools
- Digital content for public consumption
- Transport booking and payment systems
Non-compliance could result in penalties, reputational damage, and the risk of alienating a significant user base.
Key Accessibility Requirements Under the EAA
To meet the EAA standards, your website or digital service should address the following key areas:
Perceivable Content
Ensure all content is presented in a way that can be perceived by users with various abilities:- Use text alternatives for images and videos (e.g., alt text, captions).
- Design a clear visual hierarchy and avoid reliance on color alone to convey information.
Operable Interfaces
Make interactive elements like buttons and menus easy to navigate:- Support keyboard navigation for users who can’t use a mouse.
- Provide sufficient time for users to complete tasks or forms.
Understandable Design
Simplify and clarify your content to improve usability:- Write in plain language and provide clear instructions.
- Ensure forms are intuitive and offer error messages that help users fix input mistakes.
Robust Content Compatibility
Your site should work seamlessly with assistive technologies such as screen readers:- Use semantic HTML and ARIA roles.
- Regularly test compatibility with popular tools like NVDA or JAWS.
How to Make Your Website Compliant
Audit Your Website
Conduct an accessibility audit to identify gaps and areas of non-compliance. Automated tools like WAVE or manual evaluations using WCAG 2.1 as a benchmark are good starting points.Implement WCAG 2.1 Guidelines
The EAA heavily references WCAG 2.1 standards. Aim for compliance at Level AA, which covers most of the act’s requirements.Provide Documentation
The EAA requires that businesses offer clear accessibility statements outlining the measures taken to ensure compliance.Train Your Team
Educate your web designers, developers, and content creators on accessibility best practices.Ongoing Maintenance
Accessibility isn’t a one-time effort. Regularly test your website and stay updated on evolving guidelines.
Why Accessibility Matters Beyond Compliance
Adhering to the EAA isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about improving the user experience for everyone. Accessible websites:
- Broaden your audience, including the 87 million people in the EU living with disabilities.
- Improve usability for all users, including those with temporary impairments or non-standard devices.
- Enhance SEO, as accessibility overlaps with many optimization techniques.
How We Can Help
At Avenir, we specialize in designing and developing websites that are not only visually stunning but also as compliant as possible with accessibility laws like the EAA. Our team can:
- Conduct detailed accessibility audits.
- Implement WCAG 2.1 standards into your website.
- Provide ongoing support to keep your website accessible as your business grows.
Conclusion
The 2025 EAA represents a new standard for the presentation of content online, but with the right strategy and support, compliance is within reach. An accessible website benefits your users, strengthens your brand, and positions your business as a leader in inclusivity.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you prepare for the EAA and build a digital presence that works for everyone.