The European Accessibility Act (EAA)

The digital world must be accessible to everyone — that is the goal of the European Accessibility Act (EAA). This EU directive requires companies to make almost all products and services accessible. In this article, you will learn what the EAA entails, who it applies to, and how you can best prepare your website for it.

What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU directive aimed at harmonizing the accessibility of products and services across member states. It ensures that people with disabilities or limitations have equal access to digital and physical offerings.

European Accessibility Act (EAA) – Deadlines, requirements & implementation

The directive was passed in 2019 and must be transposed into national law by all EU member states by June 28, 2025. By this deadline, businesses must ensure that their digital offerings are accessible to avoid penalties. A transition period until June 30, 2030, applies only to existing products and services that were already on the market before June 2025 and have not been modified during this time.

The technical requirements for digital products and services are based on the EN 301 549 standard, which in turn refers to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) at levels A and AA. These guidelines define criteria for usability, comprehensibility, robustness, and perceptibility of digital content—including clear navigation, adequate font sizes, good contrast, and more.

In Germany, the EAA is implemented through the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG). In addition to technical accessibility, the BFSG requires companies to provide an "Accessibility Statement." This must be easily accessible, outline how accessibility is ensured, and provide one or more contact options for reporting barriers.

Who is affected by the EAA, and who is exempt?

The EAA applies to businesses offering digital products or services in the EU. The BFSG simplifies this by referring to "products with digital operation." This includes:

• Websites and mobile apps that enable online contracts (e.g., hotel bookings, travel bookings, appointment booking tools, § 2 No. 26 BFSG)

• E-commerce platforms

• Banking and financial services, including ATMs

• E-books and e-readers

• Messenger services

• Ticket machines and check-in systems

• Hardware such as computers, laptops, smartphones, and routers

The location of the customers, not the company, is decisive. This means a company based outside the EU must comply with the requirements if it serves customers in the EU. It also means companies can be sued in multiple EU countries simultaneously for violations.

Who is exempt?

• Micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than €2 million.

• Websites and content that are purely private or business-to-business (B2B), provided they are clearly not intended for consumers.

• Companies for whom compliance with the BFSG would constitute an "unreasonable burden" (§ 17 BFSG) or require a "substantial modification of a product or service" (§ 16 BFSG).

It is likely that the scope of the BFSG will be expanded in the future. If you are unsure whether your website is affected, you can take a self-assessment test here: BFSG Check.

Accessibility for websites: Benefits for SEO, UX, and reach

Accessibility is not just a legal requirement but also a matter of social responsibility. Additionally, it offers numerous advantages:

• Greater reach: An accessible website reaches more users and can increase market share. In Germany alone, there are 7.9 million people with officially recognized disabilities (Federal Statistical Office, as of late 2023). This corresponds to 9.3% of the population. Across Europe, this figure rises to 25%. Seniors and people with temporary impairments also benefit.

• Improved user experience (UX): A clear structure and easy navigation enhance usability—for all visitors to your website.

• SEO benefits: Accessible websites are often better structured and more user-friendly, which can positively impact Google rankings.

• Higher conversion rates: Easily understandable texts, optimized forms, and intuitive navigation increase the likelihood that visitors will become customers.

• Legal security: Those who implement accessibility early can avoid potential warnings, lawsuits, or penalties.

What penalties apply for non-compliance with the EAA?

Compliance with the BFSG is monitored by market surveillance authorities. Violations can lead to hefty fines and, in the worst case, even the shutdown of the website or online shop.

The specific obligations and possible sanctions are detailed in § 37 BFSG.

How Eggs Unimedia can support you in implementing the EAA

Implementing EAA requirements can seem complex. However, with the right strategy and a reliable partner, accessibility can become a competitive advantage. As an experienced web agency, we support you with:

• Analysis and audit of your website for accessibility and EAA compliance We review your existing website for barriers and analyze it based on the latest EAA and WCAG guidelines. We work with you to identify areas for improvement and suggest optimization measures.

• Development and optimization of accessible and EAA-compliant websites from the ground up We create websites that are not only visually appealing but also fully accessible. From the outset, we focus on intuitive navigation, clear structure, and technical implementation according to legal standards.

• Integration of WCAG Standards for legal compliance The WCAG 2.1 guidelines form the foundation for digital accessibility. We ensure that your website meets levels A and AA requirements— from sufficient color contrast and easily understandable language to keyboard and screen reader usability.

• Accessibility for interactive elements and forms Many websites contain complex forms, booking tools, or interactive elements that are often inaccessible to people with disabilities. We optimize these areas to ensure they are accessible to all users.

• Training and consulting for sustainable digital accessibility Accessibility is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. That’s why we offer tailored training for your team to develop a long-term strategy for accessible web design, content, and user experience.

Let’s optimize your digital accessibility together—for greater inclusion and a better user experience!