The digital landscape in Europe has fundamentally changed. As of June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is in full effect across all 27 EU member states. This landmark directive has harmonized accessibility requirements, making it a legal obligation for a vast range of private-sector companies to ensure their digital products and services are accessible to people with disabilities.
For businesses operating in or selling to the EU, the time for preparation is over. The era of enforcement has begun.
A Quick Refresher: Who and What Does the EAA Cover?
The EAA applies to any organization offering covered products and services to consumers within the EU, regardless of where that company is based. The mandate is broad, impacting key sectors of the digital economy, including :
- E-commerce websites and mobile apps.
- Consumer banking services.
- Computers and operating systems.
- Smartphones and other communication devices.
- E-books and e-readers.
- Websites and apps for passenger transport services.
The only general exemption is for micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover under €2 million. For everyone else, compliance is mandatory.
The Technical Standard for Compliance
The EAA requires adherence to the harmonized European standard EN 301 549. This standard directly incorporates the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as its basis for digital accessibility.
This means your digital platforms must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Key features like keyboard navigability, sufficient color contrast, and proper labeling are no longer optional—they are legal requirements.
Ongoing Obligations for Your Business
EAA compliance is not a one-time fix; it's a continuous process. The directive mandates that businesses must :
- Provide and maintain a formal accessibility statement, clearly outlining your level of compliance.
- Establish a feedback mechanism for users to report accessibility issues.
- Ensure that accessibility is maintained through all future updates and content changes.
Enforcement Is Active
National authorities in each EU member state are now actively responsible for market surveillance and enforcement. The penalties for non-compliance are significant and can include :
- Substantial fines that can cripple a business.
- Legal orders to remediate accessibility issues by a strict deadline.
- The withdrawal of non-compliant products or services from the market.
Maintaining Compliance in the EAA Era
Now that the European Accessibility Act is the law, organizations must shift their focus from preparation to diligent, ongoing maintenance. Accessibility can no longer be a side project; it must be a core part of your business operations.
At Wawsome, our AI-powered platform is designed for this new reality. We provide the tools to help you achieve and, more importantly, maintain WCAG 2.2 Level AA and EN 301 549 conformance, ensuring you stay compliant as your digital presence evolves.