Digital accessibility is no longer optional—it’s becoming a legal requirement across the European Union. With over 100 million Europeans living with disabilities, businesses offering digital services or products within the European Economic Area (EEA) must comply with strict new accessibility regulations.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the Web Accessibility Directive set enforceable standards for website accessibility, e-commerce platforms, and digital services, ensuring equal access for all users. As the June 28, 2025, deadline approaches, companies must act now to align their digital presence with these new legal obligations.

A New Era of Digital Accessibility in the EEA

The EAA expands accessibility compliance beyond public sector websites, requiring private businesses offering digital products and services in the EU to meet accessibility standards. This includes e-commerce platforms, financial services, mobile applications, and consumer devices—making digital accessibility a key industry-wide requirement.

By 2025, businesses must align their digital platforms with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, fundamentally reshaping how companies approach user experience, product development, and regulatory compliance across the EEA.

Key Compliance Areas for EEA Websites

These new regulations touch on several critical areas, including data privacy, e-commerce, security, and accessibility. Businesses must ensure compliance with the following:

GDPR & Data Protection

  • Obtain explicit user consent for data collection and processing.
  • Maintain transparent privacy policies outlining how personal data is handled.
  • Ensure users can access, correct, or delete their personal data upon request.

Cookie Compliance (ePrivacy Directive)

  • Notify users about cookie usage and obtain explicit consent before storing non-essential cookies.
  • Provide cookie preference settings to allow users control over their data.

E-Commerce & Consumer Rights Compliance

  • Ensure clear pricing, refund, and return policies are in place.
  • Provide easy-to-understand terms and conditions for consumers.
  • Offer simplified contract withdrawal options in compliance with EU regulations.

Web Accessibility Standards

  • Ensure websites, apps, and e-commerce platforms meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
  • Publish an accessibility statement detailing compliance efforts.
  • Provide equal digital access to all users, including those with disabilities.
  • Note: Public sector organizations are already subject to similar requirements under the Web Accessibility Directive.

Payment & Security Compliance (PSD2 Directive)

  • Implement Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) for secure transactions.
  • Use encrypted payment gateways to protect financial data.

Local Language & Industry-Specific Compliance

  • Some EEA countries mandate that websites be available in the local language.
  • Industry-specific regulations apply to finance, healthcare, and legal services.

Is Your Business Ready for the 2025 EAA Deadline?

EEA compliance isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about ensuring a seamless, secure, and inclusive digital experience for all users. Non-compliance could lead to penalties, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust. With enforcement beginning in mid-2025, the time to act is now.

Need expert guidance? Our team specializes in digital compliance, accessibility implementation, and GDPR readiness. Contact us today to ensure your business is fully prepared for the EAA deadline.