A major digital shift is coming our way. From 28th June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) becomes law across all of the EU – setting accessibility standards for digital products and services.
If you’re based in the EU or marketing to EU consumers, this legislation could apply to you. For UK businesses with a digital footprint in Europe, compliance is essential.
We’re here to help you understand what’s changing—and how to stay ahead of it.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA has been designed to make the digital space more inclusive. It sets consistent standards for accessibility, making sure digital products and services are usable for people with disabilities.
Even if you’re based in the UK, you’ll need to comply if you promote or deliver digital services to EU consumers. You could also look at it as ‘doing the right thing’ whether it’s legislated in the UK or not.
Making these changes will ensure that your website is accessible to a wider audience, providing a great user experience to everyone, regardless of their needs.
What does it cover?
The EAA applies to key tech and digital services used in everyday life, including:
- Computers and operating systems
- Smartphones
- TV equipment and streaming services
- Banking platforms
- Public transport booking systems
- E-commerce websites
- E-books and e-readers
- ATMs, ticketing and check-in machines
Each area has its own accessibility standards. In short – If your service isn’t accessible, it’s not compliant.
What does this mean for your website?
If your website incorporates any of the services above, it needs to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards by 28th June 2025.
That means:
- Alt text for images
- Keyboard navigation
- Clear content structure
- Strong colour contrast
- Scalable text without breaking layout
- Avoiding colour-only cues
- Consistent navigation
- Accessible forms
- Screen reader compatibility
If your site doesn’t meet these yet, now’s the time to act.
Emails are affected too
The EAA standard will need to be applied to email communications too. You need to:
- Use semantic HTML: headings, paragraphs, and lists
- Add alt text to images
- Avoid image-only emails
- Use legible fonts (at least 14px)
- Keep strong colour contrast
- Make sure content is keyboard-friendly
- Follow a logical reading order
Tools and tips to enable compliance
Accessibility doesn’t need to be overwhelming. These tools can help:
- Automated checkers: Axe, Google Lighthouse
- Manual testing: Try screen readers like NVDA (Windows) or VoiceOver (Mac)
- Guidance: Follow the official WCAG 2.1 AA checklist
- Mindset: Build accessibility into your process—not just the end product
Why this matters
This isn’t just a box to tick. The EAA is a chance to do better—to create more inclusive digital experiences for everyone.
By getting ahead now it means that you will be reaching more people by boosting usability and showing your values. But most importantly, you will be mitigating legal risk.
Let’s get you EAA-ready 🚀
If you run a website or send emails to EU consumers, now’s the time to review your accessibility standards.
We’re here to support you with audits, rebuilds, and practical next steps— get in touch ASAP if you need advice or support to ensure you’re fully compliant ahead of the 28th June 2025 deadline.