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.
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, each time 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.
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. This means that compliance in one country might not automatically translate to compliance in another.
For businesses operating in multiple EU countries, it’s essential to tailor your compliance efforts to meet the specific national regulations of each market. Without a localized approach, companies risk compliance 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
Reality: While automated testing tools are valuable for identifying basic accessibility issues, they cannot ensure full compliance with EAA accessibility requirements. Automated tools often miss more nuanced accessibility barriers, such as those affecting user experience for individuals with disabilities.
A comprehensive approach is necessary to achieve full compliance—one that combines automated tools with manual testing and user testing by individuals with disabilities. This layered strategy ensures that all aspects of your digital services, from navigation to functionality, meet the required standards.
If you're looking to balance automated and manual testing for EAA compliance, explore our blog on achieving compliance
Reality: Many businesses see the June 28, 2025 deadline as the end of their accessibility journey, but this is only the beginning. Complying with EAA accessibility requirements means staying adaptable to future changes in both technology and regulations.
The EAA covers a broad range of digital services and products, and new challenges will arise as technology advances. For example, new software features, hardware devices, or third-party integrations could introduce accessibility barriers. Ongoing monitoring and updates are crucial to remain compliant beyond the deadline.
Need a cost-efficient way to manage EAA compliance? Check out our 9-step guide to managing costs.
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. Businesses must regularly review and update their digital services to ensure continued compliance.
For example, organizations must also focus on internal processes like accessibility training, creating public accessibility statements, and reporting on accessibility efforts. Keeping up with new developments is essential for future-proofing your business and minimizing legal risks.
The EAA accessibility requirements extend beyond websites and apps to cover digital services such as e-commerce, telecommunications, banking, and transport services. 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.
In addition to technical requirements, businesses must implement organizational practices, such as creating accessibility statements and ensuring employees receive proper training on accessibility best practices.
Meeting EAA accessibility requirements by the June 2025 deadline requires a proactive approach and continuous monitoring. Businesses must prioritize accessibility throughout their operations to remain compliant in the future.
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!