In June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) officially came into effect, a European directive that requires digital services to be accessible to everyone.
But what does that actually mean for businesses? It means that if you offer digital products or services to consumers, you're now legally required to ensure accessibility across your websites, applications, platforms, and digital content.
So, if you’re running a digital product that’s not prepared, you’re already facing real legal, reputational, and business risks.
But don’t panic! This also brings a huge opportunity to do better: for your business, for your users, and for everyone.
So, what exactly is the EAA?
This directive was created to eliminate digital barriers and ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can access and use essential digital services equally.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) does not say that products must be “WCAG compliant.” Instead, it sets out functional accessibility requirements. Plain language expectations about what a product or service must allow people with disabilities to do (for example: perceive content, navigate without a mouse, understand information, and operate controls).
To demonstrate compliance, European organizations must follow the European standard EN 301 549. This standard translates the EAA’s functional requirements into technical criteria and measurable tests. In practice, EN 301 549 references WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which is why WCAG is often treated as the benchmark for meeting EAA obligations.
So, what do these requirements look like in real life?
- Work with screen readers so visually impaired users can access content
- Provide sufficient color contrast between text and background
- Be fully usable with a keyboard (no mouse required)
- Include clear instructions and accessible labels for all elements
- Give proper error feedback and guidance in forms
- …and more
These aren’t just technical checkboxes. They’re the foundation for making sure every user can buy, learn, work, and connect without barriers.
Some examples of services impacted:
- E-commerce: online shops, marketplaces, sales apps
- Financial services: banks, payment apps, insurance platforms
- Transportation: ticketing sites, travel apps, navigation tools
- Digital media: e-books, video/audio streaming, e-learning platforms
- Public and private companies with digital services for consumers
If you sell, communicate, or operate through digital means in the EU market, this legislation affects you, regardless of where your company is based.
What’s at stake?
The risks:
- Legal sanctions: the EAA includes clear penalties for non-compliance
- Loss of trust: customers and partners expect accountability
- Market exclusion: if you're not accessible, you're not an option for millions of potential customers
The opportunities:
- Reach new audiences: over 100 million people in the EU live with disabilities
- Improve UX for everyone: accessibility boosts the experience for all users
- Optimize SEO and performance: accessible sites are faster, better indexed, and easier to use
- Show real commitment: Demonstrate genuine dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Future-proof your business: Build sustainable, inclusive digital experiences
Not sure where to start?
Accessibility might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. So here’s what we recommend to get moving in the right direction:
- Start with an accessibility audit
Use automated tools combined with manual analysis by specialists to identify real issues.
- Fix critical errors
Small improvements in contrast, navigation, semantics and content can make a big impact.
- Involve your design, development, and product teams
Accessibility starts at the design stage and continues in code. It’s a cross-functional effort.
- Work with experienced partners
We help you speed up this journey with practical solutions tailored to your context.
And remember: fixing what’s broken is only the beginning. Accessibility isn’t a one-time task, it’s a long-term commitment.
That’s why you need a clear strategy to keep your digital products accessible over time, even as you launch new features, redesign interfaces, or evolve your platform.
How Mediaweb can help
At Mediaweb, we take digital accessibility seriously. Not because it’s now a legal requirement, but because it’s the foundation of inclusive, useful, and memorable digital experiences.
Over the years, we’ve helped clients turn their digital products into accessible journeys, from the first click to the final interaction.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- UX/UI and front-end expertise
We design modern, intuitive and accessible interfaces that enhance user experience and break down digital barriers.
- Accessibility built in from day one
We embed inclusive practices from the earliest design stages through development , reducing rework and ensuring compliance.
- Client-centric approach
We work with agile, collaborative teams focused on delivering real value aligned with your business goals.
- Deep knowledge of low-code platforms
With solid experience in OutSystems and Mendix, we build accessible solutions that are fast, scalable and easy to maintain.
- Strategic partnership with Deque
We’re proud to be the only official Deque partner in Portugal, combining local expertise with world-class tools and accessibility standards.
So… what now?
From this point on, the real question is no longer: "Should I be thinking about digital accessibility?" It’s: "What am I doing to ensure my service is accessible, today and in the future?"
With enforcement now active and penalties being defined and applied, it's essential for business continuity and compliance.
Curious about whether your digital products meet the EAA requirements? We can run a free accessibility audit to help you find out.