What does the European Accessibility Act (EAA) mean for your business in 2025?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a European directive that requires countries to incorporate accessibility rules from the WCAG 2.1 standards into their national legislation. This means that, starting from June 28, 2025, your business must ensure that digital services, such as websites and apps, are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.

Guidelines for Digital Accessibility

The EAA includes guidelines to make digital services accessible for millions of people with a disability: 

  • Digital accessibility: Websites, apps, and software must comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards, making them easy to navigate using a keyboard or screen readers. 

  • Plain language: Ensure that the information on your website is understandable, preferably at the B1 level. This is not a strict requirement but is recommended. 

  • Alternative communication: Consider adding subtitles to videos, audio descriptions, and clear icons. 

  • User-friendly hardware: Ensure that devices, such as ATMs, are easy to use, for example with voice support. 

  • Consistent and intuitive navigation: Websites and apps must have a logical and predictable structure so users can easily find information. 
    By meeting these requirements, you make your business accessible to a broader audience and comply with the new European legislation. 

Wat Betekent De EEA Voor Jouw Bedrijf 3

WCAG levels: A, AA, and AAA

The WCAG guidelines are divided into three levels: A, AA, and AAA. Each level has specific requirements to ensure the accessibility of digital services. 

  • Level A: This level contains the basic requirements for accessibility. It addresses the most urgent issues that make websites and apps unusable for people with disabilities. 
    Example: A form without text explaining what to fill in the fields. This is problematic for people using screen readers because they cannot see what should be entered in each field. 

  • Level AA: This level includes additional requirements that enhance the user experience for more people with disabilities. It ensures that a website is easier to use for most people, including those with visual, motor, or cognitive impairments. 
    Example: Adding text descriptions for images, so people with visual impairments know what is shown in the image. It is also important that a website works well with a keyboard so people without a mouse can use the site. 

  • Level AAA: This level sets the strictest requirements and is considered a best practice for digital accessibility. It focuses on optimizing the user experience for people with various types of impairments. However, this level is not required under the EAA. 
    Example: Providing full audio descriptions for videos, so people with visual impairments can fully understand the content of the video. 
    Note: The EAA requires businesses to comply with at least level AA of the WCAG 2.1 guidelines. This ensures that your website or app is accessible to most users with disabilities. 

Is your business required to comply with the EAA guidelines?

Governments have already been required to meet the accessibility requirements under the WCAG 2.1 level AA guidelines, but with the EAA, this also applies to commercial B2C businesses starting in June. If your business falls into one of these categories, you will be required to comply with these guidelines: 

  • E-commerce: Online stores and platforms. 

  • Banks and financial institutions: Access to online banking and financial services. 

  • Public and private transportation services: Information about routes, schedules, and booking systems. 

  • Telecommunications: Services such as websites, apps, and customer service platforms. 

  • Businesses providing digital products and services to consumers: Including software developers, IT companies, and cloud solution providers to consumers. 

Benefit from digital accessibility

If you have a business with fewer than 10 employees and annual revenue below 2 million euros, you are exempt from the requirements. However, you can still benefit from digital accessibility by: 

  • A larger reach: More customers can use your website or app. 

  • Higher customer satisfaction: A better user experience, for example, by making your website work better on mobile devices and loading faster, leads to more conversions and loyalty. 

  • Improved SEO: Accessible websites rank better in search engines. 

  • Competitive advantage: By complying with accessibility standards early, you get ahead of competitors. 

Additionally, accessible emails, ads, and social media campaigns ensure that your brand reaches more people and leaves a positive impression. 

Are you ready for the EAA?

We believe digital accessibility is the future. By investing in an accessible website and marketing now, you show that your business is customer-oriented and forward-thinking. We’re happy to help you make the transition smoothly while taking advantage of the opportunities that digital accessibility offers. Whether it's the technical aspect, SEO, conversion optimization, or targeted content, we’ll ensure your business is ready for the EAA. 

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