The European Accessibility Act is live: what to do now
Accessibility is now a legal requirement for many digital services in the EU. If you're not fully ready, you're not alone — but the time to act is now.
By the Xuru Technologies team · 28 June 2025
Key takeaways
- The European Accessibility Act applies from 28 June 2025 across EU member states.
- Covered services include e-commerce, consumer banking, e-books, electronic communications and passenger transport booking.
- Enforcement is by national authorities, with penalties set nationally.
- Fix the key journeys first and publish an accessibility statement explaining your progress.
Around one in four adults in the EU has some form of disability, and many more benefit from accessible design. That's a big market to leave behind.
What is changing
Travers Smith summarised the new obligations as they took effect, including requirements for accessible websites and apps, information about how services meet accessibility requirements, and compliance procedures. The Directive sets the framework, with national laws applying it.
If you're not ready yet
- Prioritise the money path. Product, basket, checkout, booking and account pages.
- Fix the common failures: missing labels, poor contrast, keyboard traps, images without alt text.
- Check third-party tools. Booking engines, chat widgets and payment pages must be accessible too.
- Document and communicate. An honest accessibility statement and contact route show good faith.
First 30 days
| Week | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Automated scan plus manual keyboard test of key journeys |
| 2 | Fix forms, buttons, headings and contrast |
| 3 | Screen reader test; fix or replace failing third-party widgets |
| 4 | Publish an accessibility statement; plan remaining fixes |
Use our WCAG 2.2 AA checklist as a guide.
Frequently asked questions
Will authorities fine businesses immediately?
Enforcement approaches differ by country. Many expect authorities to prioritise complaints and serious failures, but you should act now rather than wait.
Do accessibility overlays make us compliant?
No. Overlays don't fix underlying code problems. Real fixes in your site are needed.
Does the EAA cover existing services?
Generally yes for services, with some transitional provisions for certain contracts and products. Check the rules in each country where you operate. This is not legal advice.
Accessible, compliant and open to everyone.
We audit and fix websites and booking flows against WCAG 2.2 AA, and help you publish an honest accessibility statement.
Websites, payments, digital marketing, AI automation, consultancy and practical technology training — for businesses and aspiring professionals worldwide.
Saturday – Sunday: closed
Leave a Reply