Understanding the European Accessibility Act (EAA) of 2025
In today’s digital world, accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a necessity. Millions of people worldwide rely on accessible digital content to fully participate in education, work, entertainment, and everyday life. Recognizing this, the European Union has taken a major step forward with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), a landmark law that sets clear standards for digital accessibility across all 27 member countries.
If your organization creates digital content that’s viewable in Europe, whether that’s an application, website, podcast, video, or virtual event, it must now be accessible. Here are the toplines related to what you need to know:
Who Does the EAA Protect?
The EAA protects more than 450 million people across Europe, ensuring their right to access digital content regardless of disability. This includes individuals with a wide range of disabilities who rely on accessible technology to navigate the digital world independently.
What Does the EAA Require?
The law requires that digital content be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes a broad spectrum of media and services, such as:
Audiobooks and e-books
Hybrid and virtual events
Social media posts
Podcasts and streaming platforms
Websites
and more
The EAA bases its accessibility requirements on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines represent the most widely accepted and comprehensive framework for making digital content accessible.
Where Does the EAA Apply?
The EAA applies across all 27 member countries of the European Union, including some of the world’s largest economies like Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
When Did the EAA Go Into Effect?
The EAA went into effect on June 28, 2025. Since that date, all new digital products and services offered within the EU must comply with the law.
For American companies and digital creators, this means that if your app, service, or content reaches the European market, you are responsible for meeting EAA accessibility standards. Failure to comply can lead to serious consequences, including content removal, fines and/or legal actions in EU jurisdictions.
How Can Organizations Comply?
Compliance may seem daunting, but there are excellent resources available to help you navigate these requirements. For example, Kapwing’s comprehensive article on the EAA offers detailed explanations, helpful visuals, and compliance checklists to get started.
Adhering to WCAG 2.2 standards is vital but remember, accessibility is an ongoing effort, not a one-time fix. Integrating accessibility best practices early in your development and content creation processes will save time and resources in the long run.
What’s Next? A Call for Action in the United States
Europe’s leadership in digital accessibility through the EAA sends a clear message: digital access is a right, not a privilege. Many in the accessibility community are eager to see the United States adopt similar standards in line with our nation's stated values of liberty and justice for all.
Are you ready for the U.S. to follow Europe’s lead? At Invest In Access, we’re here to help you ensure that your digital content is welcoming and usable by everyone, everywhere. Drop a comment or reach out at invest-in-access.org/contact.