Starting June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) goes into effect. This means new legal obligations for those doing business in or with the European Union to ensure digital accessibility. Whether you’re a product maker, service provider, or digital content owner, this regulation may apply to you.
So, what is the EAA? Who does it impact? And, what steps should you take now to prepare? We’ve got you covered.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) is an EU directive to improve access to digital products and services for people with disabilities. It’s about ensuring equal access to everyday technologies like e-commerce platforms, banking apps, e-books, and self-service kiosks, to name a few.
The EAA harmonizes accessibility requirements across EU member states. That means fewer fragmented rules, more consistent digital experiences, and increased pressure to comply.
Are you affected?
You might be impacted if:
- You offer digital products or services in the EU, even if your business is based elsewhere.
- You operate in e-commerce, banking, telecommunications, media, or transport.
- You create or maintain websites, mobile apps, or digital platforms that are available to EU users.
- You produce hardware or software with user interfaces (like ATMs or ticket machines).
Public sector bodies are already held to accessibility standards via the EU’s Web Accessibility Directive. Now, many private-sector companies are joining them under the EAA.
The risk of non-compliance
EU member states are currently enacting national laws to enforce the EAA. While penalties will vary, non-compliance could lead to:
- Fines
- Legal complaints
- Exclusion from public procurement contracts
- Damage to your brand’s reputation
There’s a silver lining: companies that invest in accessibility often see better SEO, improved usability for all users, and expanded market reach.
Clockwork can help
At Clockwork, we help organizations assess and improve their digital accessibility. Here’s how we can support you:
Website & app accessibility audits
We conduct comprehensive audits of your digital products, identifying accessibility errors based on WCAG 2.1 guidelines.
Content evaluation
We review your content strategy, structure, and editorial practices to ensure language and layout work for all users, including those using assistive technologies.
Training & ongoing support
We offer content training and ongoing consulting to help you embed accessibility into your workflow and culture.
Start now! The June deadline is closer than you think
Compliance with the European Accessibility Act isn’t just a checkbox. It’s an opportunity to make your digital experience better for everyone. And the sooner you start, the smoother the transition.
Not sure where you stand? Let’s talk. We can help you evaluate your current state, define what needs to change, and move forward confidently.
