At Win & Winnow, we believe that language should never be a barrier—and neither should technology. As a translation and accessibility company committed to improving lives through accessible information, we’re thrilled to see the world taking bold steps toward digital inclusion. One of the most exciting developments on this front is the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which officially comes into effect on June 28, 2025.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) will make inclusive-by-design a legal requirement for all digital materials across the EU. From websites to e-leaflets, every interface a healthcare organisation provides must now be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust—or risk fines, market withdrawals and reputational damage.

Why does it matter to you? What are the consequences of not complying? What should you do next? Where do you start? So many questions arise, but worry not; in this blog, we’ll share answers and an actionable European Accessibility Act Checklist for you to catch up.

Contents

What Is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a directive adopted by the European Union in 2019 aimed at improving the accessibility of products and services for people with disabilities. It was created in response to the growing need for a more inclusive digital and physical environment, in line with the EU’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into full effect on June 28, 2025, and seeks to eliminate accessibility barriers in key sectors—such as websites, mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, banking services, e-books, ATMs, ticketing systems, and more—so that everyone, regardless of ability, can participate equally in society and the economy.

It applies to both public and private entities operating in the European market, especially medium to large enterprises that provide consumer-facing digital services or products. Microenterprises—those with fewer than 10 employees or annual turnover under €2 million—are generally exempt, though many still choose to comply voluntarily as a matter of corporate responsibility.

For companies, compliance means ensuring that their digital and physical interfaces meet specific accessibility criteria, including:

• compatibility with assistive technologies,
• clear navigation,
• readable content, and
• equitable functionality across user groups.

It also involves ongoing monitoring, providing user feedback channels, and publishing an accessibility statement. Ultimately, the EAA challenges businesses to go beyond basic legal adherence and embrace accessibility as a strategic priority for growth and inclusion.

Some Frequently Asked Questions About the European Accessibility Act (EAA) You May Have

1. Why Should My Company Care About the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

The EAA is more than just a legal obligation—it’s a chance to build better, more inclusive digital experiences. Complying with the EAA helps your company:

• Avoid legal risks and penalties
• Expand your audience by making content accessible to people with disabilities
• Improve usability for everyone, not just those with impairments
• Strengthen your brand’s reputation as inclusive, ethical, and future-forward

It’s also becoming a competitive advantage: customers are increasingly choosing businesses that value accessibility and inclusion.

2. What Happens if We Don’t Comply With the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

Non-compliance can lead to significant consequences. These may include:

• Fines and enforcement actions from national authorities—non-compliance fines can reach up to 500.000 Euros
• Legal liability or lawsuits from consumers or advocacy groups
• Damage to your brand’s reputation
• Restricted access to public contracts or partnerships within the EU

Each EU member state is responsible for defining and enforcing penalties, but the overall message is clear: ignoring accessibility will come at a cost—both financial and reputational.

3. Does the European Accessibility Act (EAA) Apply to Me if My Company Is Not Based in Europe?

Even if your business is based outside the EU, the EAA may still apply if you sell products or services to EU consumers. For example, if you run a U.S.-based e-commerce site that ships to Europe, or offer a digital product accessible by EU residents, you’re likely required to comply with the Act.

Being proactive about accessibility not only avoids legal issues—it also positions your business as globally responsible and inclusive.

4. Does the EAA Apply to All Businesses?

The EAA primarily applies to medium and large enterprises offering digital services or products to the EU market. Microenterprises (fewer than 10 employees or under €2 million in turnover) are generally exempt from the legal requirements—but many still choose to implement accessibility standards to improve user experience and brand credibility.

That said, the trend toward inclusive design is gaining momentum globally. Whether legally required or not, accessibility is becoming a universal best practice.

5. Am I Behind Schedule? What Should I Prioritize Now?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) officially comes into effect on June 28, 2025. Now, you don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Here’s how to start—or check how far you’ve come:

• Assess your current digital accessibility status with an audit
• Prioritize the most critical changes (e.g., navigation, readability, alt text)
• Train your team on accessibility basics and inclusive design
• Integrate AI tools to help scale and automate accessibility improvements
• Engage with users with disabilities for feedback and testing

Here’s A European Accessibility Act Compliance Checklist

What Exactly Do I have To Do? This guide provides a quick overview of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and its implications for companies offering digital products and services in the European Union.

What to Include

• Alt text for images
• Keyboard navigation
• High color contrast
• Captions and audio description
• Screen reader compatibility
• Resizable text on mobile apps
• Error prevention and easy-to-understand instructions

What to Check

• Websites
• Mobile apps
• E-commerce platforms
• Customers or patient portals
• PDFs or digital documents
• Emails or newsletters
• e-Learning

What you may need

• Running a full audit of your digital interfaces, and documenting all issues—big and small.
• Prioritizing based on user impact and legal risk.
• Involving accessibility specialists early in your UX and design process.
• Hosting internal workshops and offering role-specific training
• Making PDFs, videos, emails, e-learnings, or apps accessible.
• Creating accessible templates.
• Integrating AI tools for tasks like machine translation, voice-to-text, and content summarization.
• Monitoring accessibility over time.
• Partnering with providers (like us!) who specialize in accessible multilingual content.

Opening the Digital Door for Everyone: Accessibility Is More Than Compliance

Too often, accessibility is treated as a legal requirement to meet, rather than a human right to honor. At Win & Winnow, we see it differently. Accessibility is about dignity, opportunity, and empowerment. When we make digital spaces easier to navigate for people with visual, auditory, cognitive, or mobility impairments, we don’t just comply with regulations—we create better experiences for everyone.

Do you need further guidance for adopting the European Accessibility Act (EAA) requirements? Set a meeting with our professional team.