News 06.05.25

European Accessibility Act 2025: UK Application & Requirements

Disabilities can affect anyone and everyone, with approximately 16% of the global population living with a disability according to the World Health Organisation. Furthermore, according to the European Union, roughly 27% of the EU population has a disability impacting their day-to-day life.

The web was designed to be universal and accessible to everyone. However, different disabilities, including hearing loss, vision loss, cognitive ability, and dexterity issues, can affect people’s interaction with the web and their ability to use a website effectively. A recent paper from the University of Lisbon, by Carlos Simões et al, titled Web Accessibility: An Overlooked Right established the argument that access to the web is a human right:

“The UNCRPD (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) situates web accessibility as a human right, qualifies it as necessary precondition for equality, and acknowledges its importance as a tool for social participation and inclusion”.

The UNCRPD was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006 and was ratified in the UK in 2009. The EU adopted the legislation in 2011, requiring all EU member states to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

06.05.25 Article by: Alexis, Technical SEO Executive More articles by Alexis

What is the European Accessibility Act 2025?

The European Accessibility Act 2025 (EAA) is legislation that aims to establish a consistent standard of web access for all people in the European Union, regardless of any disability that may hinder a person’s experience using the web. Creating a unified framework of minimum requirements of web accessibility underscores the importance of inclusion, equality, and eliminating barriers for disabled people.

The EAA covers a wide scope of products and services in public and private sectors that people use every day, whether it be of their own choice, such as ecommerce, or put upon them, such as using an app or booking system to book a medical appointment. In detail, this includes:

Consumer Technology – Smartphones & computers
Digital Services – Online platforms, retail websites & mobile apps
Transportation – Check-in systems, ticketing terminals
Financial Services – ATMs, online banking, including apps, insurance, and other legal services
Audiovisual Media Services – Where video and audio content is displayed

When does the European Accessibility Act come into force?

The EAA has been quite some time in the making, with the initial adoption of the legislation into the European Parliament and Council in June 2019. However, the deadline for EU member states to adopt and establish regulations and administrative provisions implementing the EAA into national law is 28th June 2025.

There is a grace period for existing products and services that were introduced before the June 2025 deadline, which is June 2030. If there is a legacy system, such as one that would take a considerable time to update and roll out, there is an ‘exceptional case’ clause for an extended deadline of June 2045.

Does the European Accessibility Act Apply to the UK?

While laws passed in the European Union aren’t applicable in the UK, businesses that sell products and services in EU member states must abide by EU laws. This applies to both public and private sectors that trade within the EU for either public and private sectors.

That means that if your business trades products or services within the EU, your website and any applications that your business owns must comply with the European Accessibility Act 2025. This may seem daunting and overwhelming. However, ensuring your website and other digital properties are compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) isn’t as bothersome as you think. You may be surprised to find that your website already meets many of the WCAG requirements. A full accessibility audit will help you assess the current accessibility of your website.

What is the European Accessibility Act penalty?

As stated previously, there is a generous grace period to implement any necessary changes across your website and properties. However, after the grace period, if a business that falls under the remit of the EAA refuses to adapt to comply with the EAA requirements, there are penalties. Penalties will depend on the severity and context of the circumstances, as well as the EU member state a business trades. Penalties can range from:

Fines of varying amounts
Prison Sentence (Ireland)
Lawsuits, court orders and settlements

European Accessibility Act website requirements

The EAA itself sets out specific requirements that digital properties must meet, including:

Inclusive design features
Compatibility with assistive technologies
Provision of accessible information
Adherence to the four principles of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust
Compliance with EN 301 549, a European standard defining ICT accessibility requirements

Businesses and organisations are also required to document their EAA compliance efforts within the terms and conditions, as well as documentation. This includes the regular checks and updates to ensure continued compliance.

EAA impact on the future of search

When you have a well-built website that is planned with SEO in mind, it naturally follows that the website will automatically comply with a lot of WCAG and EAA guidelines. Search engines like Google always aim to promote person-first content that is helpful, reliable, and valuable, that is created for people and not to manipulate search engine rankings.

We predict that the implementation of the EAA can lead to a boom in helpful, reliable and valuable content on websites that are fully person-first centred. Search engines will prioritise EAA-compliant sites in the SERPs even more so than before. Mike Barton, a leading expert from AudioEye on website accessibility and compliance, shares his views on the impact of the European Accessibility Act and SEO:

“The European Accessibility Act is about much more than compliance; it ensures that everyone has access to the digital world. By creating accessible websites, businesses not only serve the 87 million Europeans with disabilities but also enhance their digital presence for all users. Accessible websites improve SEO rankings and overall usability, proving that what's good for people is also great for business.”

Mike Barton, Vice President, Corporate Communication & Content Marketing, AudioEye

Key takeaways

The European Accessibility Act aims to establish a consistent standard of access for all people in the EU, regardless of disability that may hinder a person’s experience using the web.
The deadline for implementing the EAA is 28th June 2025.
UK businesses and organisations need to comply with the EAA if they trade within the EU.
Penalties for non-compliance include fines, prison, and lawsuits.
Compliance will significantly contribute to SEO performance within search engines.