European Accessibility Act (EAA) in Web Design: Requirements & Guides

The deadline is approaching fast! By June 28, 2025, many businesses operating in the European Union must ensure their digital products and services meet new accessibility standards. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is coming into full effect. Is your website, mobile app, or e-commerce platform ready for these changes?

Understanding the EAA can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the complexity. We will focus specifically on what the EAA means for web design, app design, user experience (UX), digital services, and web development.

Understanding the European Accessibility Act (EAA)

First, let's clarify what the European Accessibility Act is all about. It's important EU legislation designed to improve life for people with disabilities. It does this by setting common accessibility standards for certain products and services across all EU countries.

What is the Core Goal of the European Accessibility Act?

The main goal is simple: remove barriers. The EAA aims to create a more unified market within the EU for accessible products and services. It helps ensure people with disabilities have equal access to things like computers, smartphones, banking services, transport information, e-books, and online shopping. By having one set of rules, the Accessibility Act makes it easier for businesses to operate across borders and benefits consumers through wider availability of accessible options.

Who Needs to be EAA-compliant? Focusing on Digital Providers

The EAA covers a range of products and services. While it includes hardware like computers and payment terminals, it heavily impacts the digital world. If your business offers any of the following within the EU, you likely need to pay attention to EAA compliance:

• E-commerce websites and platforms.
• Websites and mobile apps providing services like banking, transport (ticketing, real-time info), or streaming.
• E-books and the software used to read them.
• Consumer electronics that interact with communication or media services (like smart TVs).
• Websites and apps providing access to audiovisual media services.

The focus is broad, especially covering digital services offered by private companies. This makes understanding EAA requirements essential for many businesses online today.

EAA vs. EU Web Accessibility Directive: Key Differences for Your Digital Presence

You might have heard of the EU Web Accessibility Directive (WAD). It's easy to confuse it with the EAA. The key difference lies in scope. The WAD primarily targets public sector websites and mobile apps.

The European Accessibility Act, however, extends many similar accessibility standards much further into the private sector. It covers many commercial products and services, including the e-commerce websites and mobile applications mentioned earlier. If you run a business online, the EAA is likely more relevant to your immediate compliance needs.

The Critical Deadline

Mark your calendars. June 28, 2025, is the date when businesses must ensure their new products and services placed on the market meet the EAA requirements. National laws in EU member states are already in place or being finalized based on the EAA directive. There's no time to delay planning for EAA compliance.

EAA Accessibility Requirements

Now, let's get practical. What specific accessibility requirements does the European Accessibility Act introduce for your website or app? The law itself sets functional requirements, meaning what needs to be accessible. The how often points towards established international standards.

Defining Covered Digital Services and Products under the EAA

First, remember the types of digital services and products impacted. The European Accessibility Act EAA applies broadly online, including:

• E-commerce Services: Online shops need accessible product information, navigation, and checkout processes.
• Banking Services: Online banking portals and apps must be usable by everyone.
• Transport Services: Websites and apps for buying tickets or checking travel times need to meet accessibility standards.
• Audiovisual Media Services: Streaming platforms and related websites/apps require features like subtitles and audio description.
• E-books: Digital books and the software/apps used to read them must be accessible.
• Communication Services: Some aspects of websites or apps related to phone or messaging services might be included.

If your business provides these types of digital services within the EU, EAA compliance is necessary.

The Link Between EAA and WCAG: Adopting Accessibility Standards

The EAA doesn't reinvent the wheel for technical standards. Instead, it aligns closely with the globally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). While the EAA sets the legal requirements, WCAG provides the technical specifications.

Most experts agree that meeting WCAG 2.2 Level AA is the most reliable way to meet the technical accessibility requirements of the EAA for websites and mobile apps. Think of WCAG as the practical checklist for achieving digital accessibility under the EAA.

Essential EAA Accessibility Requirements for UI/UX Design

Applying WCAG principles helps meet EAA mandates. This means your website or app design (UI/UX) must be:

• Perceivable: Users must be able to identify content and interface elements using their senses. This includes providing text alternatives for images, captions for audio/video, and ensuring good visual contrast.
• Operable: Users must be able to successfully use controls, buttons, navigation, and other interactive elements. This means supporting keyboard-only navigation and giving users enough time to interact.
• Understandable: Users must be able to comprehend the information presented and how the interface works. This involves using clear language, providing predictable functions, and offering help with errors.
• Robust: Content must work reliably with a wide range of technologies, especially assistive technologies like screen readers. This requires using web standards correctly.

Focusing on these principles during web design and development is key to meeting EAA requirements.

Specific Accessibility Standards for Mobile Applications

Mobile applications covered by the European Accessibility Act need attention too. Designers must ensure interface elements like buttons are large enough to be easily tapped (sufficient touch target size). Apps should also work well with built-in device accessibility features, such as screen readers or font magnification. Consistent navigation within the app helps all users orient themselves and complete tasks efficiently.

E-commerce Websites: Special Considerations for EAA Compliance

For e-commerce websites, accessibility must span the entire shopping experience. Product information needs clear descriptions and accessible images. Users must be able to easily navigate categories and use search functions with assistive technologies. The checkout process, including filling out forms and making payments, needs to be straightforward and accessible. Providing accessible customer support options is also part of ensuring EAA compliance for online stores. An inaccessible e-commerce platform can lead to lost sales and potential non-compliance issues.

How to Ensure Compliance

Knowing the requirements is one thing; implementing them is the next step. Achieving EAA compliance requires a structured approach.

Integrating Digital Accessibility into Your Workflow

Accessibility shouldn't be an afterthought. Integrate it from the very beginning (a "shift-left" approach):

• Design: Consider accessibility during wireframing and visual design (color contrast, layout, navigation).
• Development: Code according to accessibility standards (semantic HTML, ARIA attributes where needed).
• Testing: Regularly test for accessibility issues throughout the development process.
• Content: Ensure content creators understand how to make text, images, and multimedia accessible.

Making digital accessibility part of your standard process saves time and effort later.

Tools & Techniques for Testing Against EAA Requirements

Testing is essential to ensure compliance. Use a mix of methods:

• Automated Tools: Browser extensions and online scanners can catch common issues quickly (like missing alt text or contrast errors).
• Manual Testing: Systematically check against WCAG criteria. This includes keyboard-only navigation testing and code review.
• Assistive Technology Testing: Test using screen readers (like NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver) and other assistive devices to understand the real user experience.
• User Testing: Involve people with different disabilities to get direct feedback on usability and potential barriers.

No single method finds all problems, so a combined approach is best.

Creating Your Mandatory Accessibility Statement

The EAA requires covered products and services to have an accessibility statement. This is a public document declaring your commitment and level of compliance. It typically needs to include:

• A statement confirming which accessibility standards you aim to meet (e.g., WCAG 2.2 AA).
• Details on any parts of your website or app that are not yet fully accessible, and why (linking perhaps to disproportionate burden if applicable, see below).
• Contact information for users to report accessibility issues.
• A link to the enforcement body in your member state.

This statement provides transparency and a channel for user feedback.

The Importance of User Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Accessibility is an ongoing process. Encourage user feedback specifically on accessibility barriers. Provide clear contact methods (email, phone, form). Use this feedback to make continuous improvement to your digital presence. Fixing reported accessibility issues shows commitment to EAA compliance.

Partnering with Accessibility Experts for EAA Success

Navigating EAA requirements and WCAG can be complex. Partnering with accessibility experts or a specialized web design agency offers significant benefits:

• Audits: Experts can perform thorough audits to identify accessibility issues you might miss.
• Guidance: They provide specific recommendations for fixing problems in design and code.
• Training: They can offer training services for your design, development, and content teams.
• Strategy: Experts help you create a roadmap for achieving and maintaining EAA compliance.

Investing in expertise can prevent costly mistakes and ensure genuine accessibility.

Addressing Challenges: The "Disproportionate Burden" and Non-Compliance

While the EAA aims for broad accessibility, it includes some limited flexibility. It also outlines consequences for failing to comply.

What Does "Disproportionate Burden" Mean under the EAA?

The EAA allows businesses to claim that meeting certain accessibility requirements would impose a "disproportionate burden". This is not an easy exemption. To claim it, a business must perform a detailed assessment considering:

• The cost of implementing the accessibility feature vs. the business's size and resources.
• The estimated benefits to people with disabilities.

The assessment must be documented thoroughly. If a disproportionate burden is proven for a specific requirement, the business must still meet all other EAA requirements. It's a high threshold and should be seen as a last resort, not a loophole. An "undue burden" claim often requires strong justification.

What if a Fundamental Alteration is Required?

Related to disproportionate burden is the concept of "fundamental alteration". A business might not be required to implement an accessibility feature if doing so would fundamentally change the nature of the product or service. Like disproportionate burden, this requires careful assessment and documentation.

Common Accessibility Issues to Avoid in Web and App Development

Many common accessibility issues can be avoided with awareness:

• Missing or unhelpful alt text on images.
• Poor color contrast.
• Videos without captions or audio description.
• Navigation that requires a mouse.
• Forms that are confusing or difficult for screen readers.
• PDF documents that are not tagged for accessibility.

Focusing on WCAG principles helps prevent these typical problems.

Consequences of Non-Compliance with the European Accessibility Act

Ignoring the European Accessibility Act carries risks. Market surveillance authorities in each EU member state will monitor compliance. Non-compliance can lead to:

• Formal notices requiring corrective action.
• Withdrawal of the product or service from the EU market.
• Financial penalties (fines), with amounts determined by national laws.
• Significant damage to brand reputation.

Proactive steps towards EAA compliance are far better than facing enforcement actions.

Why Embrace the European Accessibility Act? Benefits Beyond Compliance

Meeting EAA requirements shouldn't just be seen as a legal obligation. Embracing digital accessibility offers substantial business advantages.

Expanding Market Reach: Connecting with More Users

Approximately 1 in 5 people in the EU have some form of disability. Add to that the aging population and people with temporary limitations (like a broken arm). An accessible website or app opens your digital services to a much larger potential audience, increasing market share.

Enhancing Overall User Experience (UX) Through Digital Accessibility

Good accessibility practices often translate to better usability for everyone. Clear navigation, readable text, predictable interfaces, and helpful error messages improve the experience for all users, not just those using assistive technologies. Accessible design is often simply good design.

Improving SEO Performance with Accessible Design Practices

Search engines favor well-structured, user-friendly websites. Many accessibility techniques overlap with SEO best practices:

• Proper heading structure helps search engines understand content hierarchy.
• Alt text provides context for images.
• Transcripts and captions make video content indexable.
• Good site navigation improves crawlability.

An accessible site can often lead to better search rankings.

Building a More Inclusive and Socially Responsible Brand Image

Demonstrating a commitment to digital accessibility enhances your brand's reputation. It shows your business cares about inclusivity and social responsibility. This can attract customers, partners, and employees who value these principles. Achieving EAA compliance is a positive message to share.

Conclusion

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) marks a significant shift towards a more inclusive digital landscape in Europe. For businesses with websites, mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, or other digital services covered by the act, understanding and implementing EAA requirements is vital before the June 28, 2025, deadline. The EAA applies to all organizations that serve consumers in the EU, regardless of their location.

Meeting these accessibility standards, largely aligned with WCAG 2.1 AA, is not just about avoiding penalties. Embracing digital accessibility improves user experience for everyone, expands your market reach, potentially boosts SEO, and builds a stronger brand reputation.

Key Takeaway: Don't view the European Accessibility Act as just another regulation. See it as an opportunity to improve your digital presence and connect with more users by making accessibility a core part of your web design and development process.

Call to Action: Don't wait until the deadline is upon you. Start assessing your website and apps now. Need help understanding the EAA compliance process, identifying accessibility issues, or implementing solutions? Contact us today for an expert accessibility audit and consultation tailored to your web design needs.