The European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force on the 28th of June 2025, setting new accessibility standards across the EU. If your business operates within the EU—or provides services to EU citizens—this legislation applies to you, including UK-based companies.
For digital services, websites are at the forefront. Whether you’re running an e-commerce site, an information hub, or a business portal, web accessibility will soon be a legal requirement, not just a nice-to-have.
What Is the European Accessibility Act?
The EAA is designed to harmonise accessibility requirements across EU member states by removing inconsistencies between national regulations. It applies to a broad range of services and products, but for many organisations, the key area of impact is web accessibility.
The Act requires that websites meet the standards set out in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA, ensuring digital content is usable by people with a wide range of disabilities.
How the EAA Affects Your Website
To meet EAA requirements, your website must follow four essential accessibility principles outlined in WCAG:
- Perceivable—Content must be presented in ways users can understand. This includes alt text for images and sufficient colour contrast.
- Operable – Navigation and functionality must be usable via multiple input methods (like keyboards), not just a mouse.
- Understandable – Information and user interface elements must be clear, consistent, and easy to understand.
- Robust – Your website must work well with assistive technologies, browsers, and devices.
These principles ensure your website can be accessed and understood by users with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments.
How to Design a Website for EAA Compliance
Designing a website from scratch is a significant undertaking—and ensuring your site meets EAA standards can be a daunting task. However, focusing on the most common accessibility issues can make the process more manageable.
Here are ten practical, actionable ways to make your website more accessible and compliant:
1. Alt Text for Images
Alt text provides written descriptions of images so screen readers can relay the image’s purpose to users. Alt text should be:
- Descriptive but concise
- Free from technical jargon
Example:
For an image of a woman using a laptop in a coffee shop, you might use:
“A woman with glasses typing on a laptop at a small table in a cosy coffee shop, with a steaming cup of coffee beside her.”
2. Clear Colour Contrast
Make sure text and background colours have sufficient contrast to be readable. The EAA requires:
- 4.5:1 contrast ratio for regular text
- 3:1 for large text
This helps users with visual impairments and benefits overall readability.
3. Keyboard Navigation
All website elements must be operable via keyboard alone. This means users should be able to navigate using:
- Tab to move through elements
- Enter or Space to activate links and buttons
Keyboard navigation is crucial for users with motor impairments or those using assistive technologies.
4. Form Fields
Accessible form fields must be:
- Clearly labelled
- Easy to navigate
- Accompanied by instructions for required fields or errors
Avoid relying solely on colour to indicate required fields—always provide text-based cues.
5. Accessible Video Content
To ensure video content is accessible:
- Provide accurate captions for pre-recorded videos.
- Use audio descriptions for important visual elements.
- Offer text alternatives or transcripts.
This supports users with both hearing and visual impairments.
6. Descriptive Link Text
Avoid vague phrases like “Click here”. Instead, use meaningful link descriptions that inform users where they’ll be taken.
Better Example:
“Download our EAA Compliance Guide” instead of “Click here”.
7. Mobile Accessibility
Your website should be:
- Fully responsive across different screen sizes.
- Designed with touch targets of at least 44×44 pixels.
This benefits users with reduced dexterity and ensures accessibility on mobile devices.
8. Assistive Technology Compatibility
Ensure your website integrates well with:
- Screen readers
- Voice control software
- Other assistive tools
Test compatibility regularly and adjust based on real user feedback.
9. Readable Fonts
Stick to simple, legible fonts like Arial and avoid overly decorative fonts whilst ensuring your default font size is at least 12pt for clarity.
10. PDF Accessibility
If your website includes downloadable PDFs:
- Make them navigable via keyboard.
- Use proper hierarchy and a logical reading order.
- Ensure text can be selected (no image-based PDFs).
Accessible PDFs are often overlooked, but they’re just as important under the EAA.
Steps to Ensure Your Website is Compliant
Once you’ve designed with accessibility in mind, here are the next steps to ensure full compliance:
- Audit Your Website
Use a combination of automated tools and manual testing to find accessibility gaps. - Follow WCAG 2.1 AA
Make it your standard for all digital design and content moving forward. - Work with Accessibility Experts
Bring in external consultants or specialists to review your website thoroughly. - Train Your Team
Designers, developers, and content writers all need to understand accessibility basics. - Publish an Accessibility Statement
Clearly state your commitment to accessibility and provide a way for users to report issues. - Monitor Country-Specific Enforcement
Each EU country enforces the EAA slightly differently—make sure you stay informed.
Why EAA Compliance Is Good for Business
Beyond legal compliance, accessibility brings significant business benefits:
- Reach More People: Nearly 87 million people in the EU have a disability.
- Boost User Experience: Accessibility improvements help everyone, not just disabled users.
- Enhance Brand Reputation: Demonstrating inclusivity fosters trust and goodwill.
- Avoid Legal Risks: Compliance reduces the likelihood of costly fines or reputational damage.
In Summary
With the 28th of June 2025 EAA deadline fast approaching, now is the time to get your website in shape. Designing and maintaining an accessible site isn’t just about avoiding legal trouble—it’s about opening up your business to more users and offering a better, more inclusive experience for all.
Visit the European Commission’s official page on the EAA for further resources and guidance.
Need help getting started? Contact us today.
