The digital environment is constantly evolving, and with it come new requirements for websites and online shops. The key European Union regulation in this area is the European Accessibility Act (EAA), whose aim is to ensure that people with disabilities have barrier-free access to digital services. This legal framework, adopted in 2019, harmonises accessibility rules across EU member states. From 28 June 2025, these measures will be mandatory in all member countries.
Who does the EAA apply to?
The EAA covers a wide range of services and products and applies to any organisation that provides digital services to consumers in the EU, regardless of where it is based. If you run a website or an online shop, it is important to familiarise yourself with the EAA requirements and make sure they are implemented, in order to avoid possible penalties.
Accessibility requirements
The main goal of this legislation is to eliminate barriers in the digital environment. The best way to ensure compliance with these requirements is to follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at level AA.
The key elements include:
- Compatibility with screen readers, keyboard navigation and support for other assistive technologies.
- Improving the readability and intuitiveness of websites.
- Providing subtitles for video content, along with audio descriptions and text transcripts.
Recommended steps
To ensure compliance with the EAA, organisations are advised to:
- Carry out an accessibility audit of existing websites and online shops and identify the areas that do not meet the requirements.
- Draw up a remediation plan focused on the critical barriers.
- Work with accessibility experts when implementing the necessary changes.
Improving accessibility can be demanding, but it brings long-term benefits. The main ones include:
- Greater reach: Accessible websites reach more than 80 million people with disabilities in the EU.
- Better user comfort: Accessibility improves usability not only for people with disabilities but for the general public as well.
- Stronger reputation: Meeting accessibility standards improves a company's image and supports its social responsibility.
Impact on e-commerce
Online shops will have to adapt their platforms to comply with the new rules. This includes, for example:
- Screen reader support and correct labelling of content.
- The ability to navigate using the keyboard alone.
- Optimising visual accessibility (contrast, font size, colour settings).
- Providing subtitles and audio descriptions for videos.
- Making the purchasing process accessible to all users.
Investing in accessibility will not only help you meet the legal requirements but also bring business benefits, including better SEO and higher customer loyalty. Ensuring compliance with the EAA is not just a legal necessity but also a step towards a better user experience for every visitor to your websites and online shops.