The EU Accessibility Act: What you need to Know
Digital inclusion is evolving from best practice to legal requirement across the European Union. With the EU Accessibility Act (EAA) implementation timeline now in motion, organizations must understand its implications for their digital presence and prepare accordingly.
Understanding the EU Accessibility Act
The EU Accessibility Act, enacted in 2019, aims to harmonize accessibility standards across EU member states, removing barriers created by divergent regulations. While the Web Accessibility Directive already covers public sector websites, the EAA extends these requirements to private sector digital services.
Good UX always starts with good accessibility.
The timeline is approaching rapidly:
By June 28, 2025: Member states must apply the measures, with new products and services placed on the market after this date required to comply
Until June 28, 2030: Extended transition period for services already in use
In Belgium and the Netherlands, these EU regulations complement existing frameworks:
Belgium has promoted digital accessibility through AnySurfer, a quality label certifying websites that meet accessibility standards
The Netherlands implements accessibility via the "Digitoegankelijk" program, which has become a benchmark for Dutch organizations
The Act covers numerous digital touchpoints, including e-commerce websites, mobile applications, banking services, and e-books. Non-compliance could result in significant penalties, as determined by each member state's enforcement mechanisms.
Real-world Examples of Accessibility (A11y) challenges
Based on our own research, A11y in the wild.
Quick Restaurants: Users cannot navigate past the Cookie Popup when using a keyboard.
Carrefour: After searching for milk, keyboard users must tab 121 times to select the first milk-related product.
UGC Cinema Group: Keyboard users cannot navigate beyond the cookie banner, and there are no focus states after closing the popup, making it impossible to see which link or menu item is selected.
Organizations in Belgium seeking formal recognition should consider pursuing AnySurfer certification, while Dutch companies can leverage the "Toegankelijkheidsverklaring" (accessibility statement) generator provided by Digitoegankelijk.
Content and UX Considerations
This insight reminds us that accessibility isn't just about compliance—it's a cornerstone of quality user experience design.
Accessibility is not just a checkbox, it is a mindset. It is about creating a world where no one is left behind, where everyone can participate and contribute fully.
Accessibility extends beyond code to content creation and UX design:
Train your content team to write descriptive alt text for images and create transcripts for audio and video content
Ensure content is written at an appropriate reading level with clear, consistent navigation patterns
Review your color palette for sufficient contrast ratios and avoid using color alone to convey information
Design forms with clear labels, helpful error messages, and logical tab order
Consider implementing skip navigation options to help keyboard users bypass repetitive content
In the Benelux region, language considerations add complexity:
For Belgian users, ensure accessibility across multiple languages (Dutch, French, and sometimes German)
Dutch sites should account for screen reader pronunciation of Dutch terms by testing with tools like NVDA and VoiceOver configured for Dutch language
Technical Implementation Priorities
Start by evaluating your current digital infrastructure against WCAG 2.1 AA standards, which form the technical foundation of the EAA requirements. A thorough initial assessment can reveal critical gaps and provide a clear roadmap for improvements. Key technical areas to address include:
Semantic HTML Structure: Correctly identify headings, lists, and landmarks to support screen readers and other assistive technologies
ARIA Implementation: Apply ARIA attributes thoughtfully where native HTML semantics fall short, prioritizing proper HTML structure
Keyboard Accessibility: Ensure all interactive elements are fully operable via keyboard for users with motor disabilities
Remove Redundant Info and Actions: Hide duplicate texts and buttons from keyboard navigation and screen readers to improve navigation
Responsive Accessibility: Test navigation patterns across different viewport sizes while using assistive technologies
Comprehensive Testing: Use automated tools like Lighthouse or WAVE, complemented with manual testing using actual assistive technologies
Development Integration: Build accessibility testing into your continuous integration pipeline to catch issues early
Technical Overlays: Consider implementing adjustments for contrast, font size, and other visual elements
Companywide Responsibility: Train both developers and content management teams on accessibility fundamentals
Organizational Approach
Develop a clear accessibility policy with executive sponsorship to ensure proper resources. Assign ownership for accessibility within your organization and train teams across disciplines on accessibility principles. Regular audits, starting with an expert-led diagnostic scan, can identify quick wins and long-term improvements to maintain compliance.
By taking a proactive, structured approach to accessibility compliance, you'll not only meet legal requirements but also expand your market reach and improve the experience for all users. The EU Accessibility Act represents an opportunity to build more inclusive digital experiences that better serve everyone. Preparing Your Digital Properties for Compliance
