European Accessibility Act 2025: what it is and why you cannot ignore it

L’European Accessibility Act 2025 might sound like one of those European directives light years away from our daily work. But the truth is different: if you have a website, sell online or develop apps and digital platforms, this legislation affects you. And it can make the difference between being compliant or being left out.

What is the European Accessibility Act 2025

L’European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a European directive (2019/882) that will enter into full force in June 2025. The objective? To make digital products and services accessible to all people, including those with disabilities.

Let's talk about digital inclusivenessa principle that is not only ethical, but also strategic. The EAA establishes a set of accessibility requirements for websites, e-commerce, apps, ATMs, e-book readers, e-learning platforms, online banking and much more.

In summary: digital must be accessible. For everyone.

Who is involved?

If you think that this regulation only concerns public bodies or large multinationals, you are way off the mark. The EAA involves:

• Companies offering digital products and services to the public
• E-commerce and marketplace
• Software and platform providers
• Banks, insurance companies, publishers, developers

Le SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) may enjoy certain exemptions, but only in specific and documented cases. In short, better not to wait until the last minute.

Why comply with the European Accessibility Act? (spoiler: not only to avoid fines)

In addition to legal obligations, there are other good reasons to start complying with the’European Accessibility Act 2025:

1. Expand your audienceMaking your content accessible also means reaching users with disabilities, the elderly and people with special needs. In Europe we talk about almost 100 million people.
2. Improves UX for allA clear, readable interface that can also be navigated by keyboard or screen reader is not only useful for those with a disability. It is useful to everyone.
3. Gain a competitive advantageThose who arrive prepared for the 2025 appointment will be light years ahead of the competition.
4. SEO-friendlyAccessibility and SEO go hand in hand. A well-structured site with alternative texts, comprehensible labels and a logical content hierarchy is also a site that ranks better on Google.

What to do to comply?

Adaptation to the’European Accessibility Act 2025 starts with a simple question: is my website or digital product accessible?

If the answer is “boh”, this is where to start:

• Accessibility auditsA technical review to identify barriers and criticalities
• Adjustment of the codeSemantic HTML, ARIA labels, keyboard navigation
• Inclusive design: colours with sufficient contrast, clear text, legible fonts
• Team trainingbecause accessibility is an ongoing process, not a spot intervention

Do you want to know in detail how to follow European regulations? Here is a practical Checklist!

Accessibility is not a limitation. It is an opportunity.

L’European Accessibility Act 2025 is not a bureaucratic hurdle to be overcome. It is an opportunity to rethink the digital in a more human, more ethical and smarter way.

Those who know how to grasp it will be ready for the future.