With the European Accessibility Act 2025 requirements taking effect in June, businesses must ensure that their digital platforms meet accessibility standards. Whether you operate within the EU or serve EU customers, compliance with the 2025 European Accessibility Act (EAA) is essential to ensure your digital content is fully accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities.
The EAA sets new digital accessibility standards and creates a harmonized framework across EU member states. In this article, we break down the essential compliance requirements your organization should address to meet the 2025 mandate and avoid penalties.
Start by determining whether your business is subject to the European Accessibility Act. If your websites, mobile apps, or other online platforms are offered in the EU—even if you have no physical presence—these regulations apply. This extraterritorial remit means that organizations outside the EU may also need to comply; therefore, start by mapping your user base and digital footprint.
The European Accessibility Act is built on a framework that aligns with the EU standard EN 301 549, incorporating Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA. Be aware that as technology evolves, the guidelines may update to WCAG 2.2. Knowing these standards is crucial, as they dictate the technical requirements your digital properties must meet. These legal obligations align with 2025 EAA requirements, ensuring businesses are ready for the upcoming changes.
To meet European Accessibility Act 2025 requirements, start with a full audit of your digital assets using automated testing tools and manual assessments. As experts note, automated tools alone cannot cover all 50 success criteria of WCAG 2.1 AA. Manual testing, especially with feedback from individuals with disabilities, is essential for accurate compliance measurement.
Based on your audit findings, create an action plan that prioritizes remediation efforts. A practical roadmap should:
Since each EU member state transposes the EAA differently, local enforcement and penalty regimes can vary widely. Monitoring these differences is critical. Stay informed about how individual member states interpret the 2025 European Accessibility Act to avoid surprises and potential fines or corrective actions imposed by national authorities.
Non-compliance with the EAA can result in significant penalties. These penalties range from fines based on revenue percentages to operational restrictions in the EU market. By understanding the enforcement mechanisms early, you can mitigate legal and financial risks through proactive planning and continuous monitoring of your accessibility standards.
Successful 2025 EAA compliance is rarely achieved in isolation. Engage with experienced third-party auditors and consider comprehensive solutions, such as UsableNet Assistive or Accessibility as a Service.
Competent partners offer:
Partnering with trusted experts not only streamlines your compliance journey but also reinforces your commitment to delivering an inclusive digital experience.
Premium fully managed services, such as UsableNet Assistive, deliver the above services in a comprehensive package that requires minimal input from your team. However, in all cases, success depends on constant testing and remediation with every code release.
Meeting the European Accessibility Act 2025 requirements is not just a legal obligation—it’s a strategic initiative that benefits your business by expanding your customer base and promoting digital inclusivity. By confirming applicability, understanding the standards, auditing your assets, planning a clear roadmap, monitoring local variations, preparing for penalties, and partnering with experts, your organization can confidently navigate the EAA compliance landscape.
Learn more about how to comply with these regulations by watching our EAA webinar. Register here to prepare your business for 2025 and beyond.