What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
Updated: 2026-06-09
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is EU Directive 2019/882, which from 28 June 2025 requires digital accessibility from private businesses across the EU.
What the EAA is
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council. It harmonises accessibility requirements for products and services in the EU internal market and — unlike earlier public-sector rules — covers the PRIVATE sector.
Each member state has transposed the EAA via its own national law; the technical standard, however, is common across the EU.
Who it applies to
Obligations cover e-commerce, consumer banking, e-books, passenger transport and electronic communication services, among others. Exemptions may include microenterprises providing services and cases of "disproportionate burden".
When and which standard
The requirements apply from 28 June 2025. Conformity is assessed against EN 301 549, in the scope corresponding to the WCAG 2.1 guidelines at level AA.
In practice this means adequate contrast, keyboard operability, accessible forms and element names, and an accessibility statement.
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