With just days to go until the European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force on the 28th of June, businesses across Europe – and beyond – are being urged to take immediate action to ensure their digital products and services are compliant with new accessibility standards.
Despite having several years of warning, only one in four businesses impacted by the EAA are currently prepared, according to a recent survey by enterprise tech company Storyblok. Alarmingly, nearly 20% of organisations surveyed were unaware of the EAA altogether.
The EAA sets out key accessibility requirements for a wide range of digital and physical products and services in the EU market – including websites, apps, ATMs and smartphones – aiming to ensure that people with disabilities can access and use them effectively. Key stipulations include the use of inclusive design elements such as sufficient colour contrast, scalable font sizes, intuitive and consistent layouts, keyboard-friendly navigation, and full support for screen readers. The requirements align closely with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) – the global benchmark for accessible digital design.
The reality is that digital accessibility is not optional for any business targeting the European market. Around 87 million people in Europe have a disability – that equates to roughly one in every four adults – and the act is designed to ensure equal access to digital products and services. What some businesses may not realise is that this applies not just to companies based in the EU, but any company that provides services and products to EU compliance. Given the general lack of awareness among companies operating outside Europe, many global firms may be unknowingly at risk.
– Dominik Angerer, CEO and co-founder, Storyblok
Non-compliance comes with financial and operational risks. Fines range from €5,000 to €20,000 per violation, with additional penalties including product removal or suspension of business operations for ongoing non-compliance.
Importantly, aside from the legalities, Storyblok notes too that companies that do not address accessibility risk excluding a substantial number of potential customers.
Accessibility is not just a compliance issue – it’s a business opportunity. Accessible sites are easier to use, rank better in search engines, and ultimately serve a broader customer base – that’s why businesses that prioritise accessibility often see direct commercial gains. The demand for inclusive digital experiences is growing, and businesses that prioritise accessibility now will not only ensure regulatory compliance but establish themselves as leaders in this space.
– Dominik Angerer, CEO and co-founder, Storyblok
