European Accessibility Act (EEA): why it's important for your business to be ready by 28 June 2025
- Saule Grigiene
- 06-05
- 3 min. skaitymo
From 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into force, obliging many businesses to ensure that their digital services and products are accessible to all users, including people with disabilities. As well as promoting social responsibility, the Directive opens up new business opportunities and avoids potential legal consequences.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA is a European Union directive that aims to harmonise accessibility standards across the EU. Its aim is to ensure that people with disabilities have full access to digital services and products.
The Directive is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and covers areas such as:
Computers and operating systems
ATMs and payment terminals
E-readers and e-books
Ticketing and registration machines
Telephone services
Banking services
Electronic commerce
Websites and mobile apps
Audiovisual media services
Emergency number 112
Why is this important for your business?
1. Legal responsibility
Failure to comply with the EEA requirements can lead to serious consequences for businesses, including heavy fines and restrictions on their activities. For example, fines can reach up to €100,000 in Germany and up to 5% of annual revenue in Italy.
2. Market access
Non-compliance can restrict the ability to operate in the EU market, especially if the business provides services to the public sector or is involved in public procurement.
3. Reputation
Businesses that do not comply with accessibility standards risk their reputation as consumers increasingly value inclusive and accessible environments.
4. SEO and user experience
Accessible websites often have a better user experience and rank higher in search engines. Elements such as alternative texts, clear navigation and structured content not only help people with disabilities, but also improve the online visibility of a website.
For exceptions to accessibility requirements, see this article - "Exceptions: when can accessibility requirements be exempted?"
How to prepare for the entry into force of the EEA?
1. Conduct an accessibility audit
Assess the accessibility of your website and digital services against WCAG 2.1 AA standards. This will help you to identify where improvements are needed.
2. Develop an accessibility statement
Create a document describing how your services meet accessibility requirements. This is not only a legal requirement but also demonstrates your commitment to being an inclusive business.
3. Train your staff
Make sure your team understands the importance of accessibility and knows how to implement it. Regular training will help you maintain a high level of accessibility.
4. Continuously monitor and improve
Accessibility is not a one-off project. Regularly review and update your services to meet changing standards and user needs.
Gilės Projektai respect the principles of accessibility
Gilės Projektai are taking digital accessibility seriously and are already applying the principles of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) to the websites they develop.Following the WCAG 2.1 AA standard, we strive to make every website we develop accessible to the widest possible range of users - regardless of their physical or technical capabilities.
More information about our commitment to accessibility can be found here:
The entry into force of the EEA is not only a legal requirement but also an opportunity for businesses to become more inclusive and reach a wider audience.Preparing in time can not only help you avoid fines but also strengthen your position in the market.
Article author Saulė Grigienė, Gilės Projektai, Wix Partner