With the June 2025 deadline for the European Accessibility Act (EAA) fast approaching, businesses across the European Union are under increasing pressure to ensure their digital platforms comply with new accessibility regulations. 

The EAA is a groundbreaking initiative designed to create a more inclusive digital landscape by standardizing accessibility requirements for websites, mobile applications, and other digital services. This legislation seeks to remove barriers that have long prevented individuals with disabilities from fully engaging with digital content. However, as the enforcement phase draws near, organizations must navigate the evolving legal landscape, adapt to new compliance standards, and prepare for potential penalties if they fail to meet the requirements.

This article explores the most recent updates regarding the European Accessibility Act, highlighting key developments in national implementation, evolving compliance standards, and enforcement mechanisms. It also offers businesses a comprehensive guide to preparing for the deadline, ensuring they remain compliant while enhancing digital accessibility for all users.

Understanding the Latest Changes to the European Accessibility Act

The European Accessibility Act was established to unify digital accessibility standards across EU member states, reducing inconsistencies in legal requirements and making it easier for businesses to operate across borders. While the directive has been in place for several years, the upcoming 2025 deadline marks the transition from planning to enforcement, ushering in a new phase of legal accountability for organizations operating in the digital space.

One of the most significant developments in recent months has been how each EU country has incorporated the EAA into its national legal framework. Some member states have introduced new legislation to align with the act, while others have amended existing laws to reflect the updated accessibility requirements. This variation in national implementation means businesses operating in multiple EU countries must carefully track local requirements to ensure full compliance across different jurisdictions. For more information, our Compliance Overview provides detailed insights into regulatory obligations.

For answers to common questions about EAA compliance, including national implementation and enforcement details, check out our EAA Compliance FAQ guide.

Another critical update involves the technical standards underpinning EAA compliance. The act aligns closely with EN 301 549, a European standard for ICT accessibility, which incorporates the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA. However, regulators have indicated that a transition to WCAG 2.2 is on the horizon, which will likely introduce additional success criteria that businesses must meet. Companies that have not yet updated their digital properties to WCAG 2.1 AA should prioritize compliance immediately, as further updates will soon be required.

How Businesses Should Prepare for the 2025 Deadline

With enforcement fast approaching, businesses need a structured approach to meeting the European Accessibility Act’s requirements. A strong starting point is conducting an accessibility audit, which helps organizations identify gaps in their compliance efforts and prioritize areas for improvement. This process involves evaluating digital properties—such as websites and mobile apps—against WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines to ensure that content is navigable, perceivable, and usable for all users, including those relying on assistive technologies.

Our Accessibility Testing Tool makes it easy to evaluate digital properties—such as websites and mobile apps—against WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines. This ensures that content is perceivable, operable, and usable for all users, including those relying on assistive technologies.

Once accessibility gaps are identified, businesses should establish a clear roadmap for achieving compliance. Integrating accessibility into the software development lifecycle ensures that new digital content and updates are designed inclusively. Our Accessibility Consulting Services can provide expert guidance on making accessibility a core part of your digital strategy.

Additionally, training internal teams on best practices for accessible design and development can help organizations maintain compliance in the long term.

A proactive monitoring framework should also be established to assess compliance regularly, reducing the risk of issues going unnoticed until they become regulatory violations.

What Happens if Businesses Fail to Comply?

Non-compliance with the European Accessibility Act can have serious financial and legal consequences. Each EU member state has the authority to enforce the act in its way, meaning penalties will vary depending on where a business operates. Some countries have introduced fines that scale based on an organization’s revenue, while others impose fixed penalties or require corrective action plans for non-compliant companies. In extreme cases, businesses could even face restrictions on their ability to operate within the EU market.

Ensuring Compliance and Building a More Inclusive Digital Future

As the June 2025 deadline approaches, organizations must act decisively to align their digital properties with the European Accessibility Act’s requirements. By conducting thorough accessibility audits, integrating compliance into development workflows, and staying informed on national variations, businesses can successfully meet regulatory expectations while fostering a more inclusive digital environment.

By embracing the changes the EAA brings, businesses can turn compliance into a competitive advantage. Our EAA compliance guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the act’s requirements, helping companies navigate compliance complexities with clear, actionable insights.