As the June 28, 2025 deadline for the European Accessibility Act (EAA) approaches, organizations across the EU are preparing to meet the new EAA accessibility requirements. Misconceptions surrounding these requirements can lead to unnecessary risks and confusion.
To understand the full scope of EAA compliance and its requirements, explore our detailed EAA guide.
In this article, we’ll clear up five common myths to help you ensure your business is on the right track.
Myth 1: Compliance Is a One-Time Effort
Reality: Accessibility is not a one-time project, and thinking it is can result in non-compliance. EAA accessibility requirements evolve alongside technology, and staying compliant means regular updates and continuous auditing.
For example, when you release new content, add features, or update your website or mobile app, you must ensure those changes don’t inadvertently introduce new accessibility barriers. By making accessibility an integral part of your design and development workflow from the start, you avoid costly, last-minute fixes and create a more inclusive user experience.
Myth 2: EAA Standards Are Uniform Across the EU
Reality: Although the EAA establishes a general framework, enforcement of EAA accessibility requirements may vary by country. Each EU member state can adapt the standards according to its legal context, so compliance requirements and enforcement actions can differ from place to place.
For businesses operating in multiple EU countries, you must tailor your compliance efforts to meet the specific national regulations of each market where you have customers. Without a localized approach, companies risk gaps that could have legal and financial consequences.
Learn Germany’s accessibility laws align with the EAA, check out this blog about Germany’s digital accessibility laws
Myth 3: Automated Tools Are Sufficient for Compliance
Reality: While automated testing tools are valuable for identifying basic accessibility issues, they cannot ensure full compliance with accessibility requirements. Automated tools often miss more nuanced accessibility barriers. For example, automated tools can check if you have alt-text but not if the alt-text aligns with an image and would make sense to your customer.
A comprehensive approach that combines automated tools, manual testing, and user testing by people with disabilities will be your best bet for compliance and optimum usability.
If you're looking to balance automated and manual testing for EAA compliance, explore our blog on achieving compliance
Myth 4: The June 2025 Deadline Is the Finish Line
Reality: Many businesses see the June 28, 2025 deadline as the end of their accessibility journey, but this is only a starting point.
The EAA covers a broad range of digital services and products. As technology advances and you make updates, new accessibility issues and challenges can surface. For example, adding new software features, hardware devices, or third-party integrations could introduce accessibility barriers. Ongoing monitoring will ensure compliance with EAA after the June 2025 deadline.
Need a cost-efficient way to manage EAA compliance? Check out our 9-step guide to managing costs.
Myth 5: Once You’re Compliant, You’re Done
Reality: Compliance with the EAA is not a “set it and forget it” task. Technology and regulations are constantly evolving, and so are EAA accessibility requirements. Additionally, multiple teams are typically involved in accessibility.
Your organization may find that for accessibility and compliance to be effective you need to implement organizational practices, such as creating accessibility statements, ensuring employees receive proper training on accessibility best practices, and reporting on accessibility efforts.
Keeping up with new developments is essential for future-proofing your business and minimizing legal risks.
Understanding EAA Accessibility Requirements
The EAA accessibility requirements extend beyond websites and apps to cover digital services such as e-commerce, telecommunications, banking, and transport. The Act also requires adherence to EN 301 549, a European standard aligned with WCAG 2.1 AA, though this standard alone doesn’t guarantee full compliance with the EAA.
For more on how EN 301 549 fits into the EAA compliance process, check out our detailed guide on EN 301 549.
Next Steps for EAA Compliance
Want to debunk more myths and get a clear roadmap for EAA compliance? Join our European Accessibility Act (EAA) webinar for in-depth insights into what your business needs to do. Register here to secure your spot!
