Understanding the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and Digital Accessibility in Europe

The European Accessibility Act (EAA), adopted in 2019, is a legislative measure designed to ensure that all citizens, including those with disabilities, can access digital services and products. It applies to public sector bodies, private sector companies, manufacturers and service providers, educational institutions, health services, headquarters of non-EU companies, and businesses with at least 10 staff and a turnover above €2 million. The EAA covers various products such as computers, e-readers, ticketing machines, smartphones, TV equipment, and services like phone services, banking services, e-commerce, websites, mobile services, electronic tickets, e-books, calls to the European emergency line 112, and audio-visual media services. The EAA doesn't mandate a specific WCAG conformance level but aims for POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. Businesses had until June 28th, 2025 to become compliant with the Act.