As the June 28, 2025 deadline for the implementation of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) approaches, software companies must take proactive steps to ensure compliance. This is particularly important for companies operating in the European market or providing services to EU clients, as they should be aware of the significant impact the EAA will have on their business.
This legislation requires digital products and services to be accessible to persons with disabilities, in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA and the EU standard EN 301 549. These standards ensure that content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users.
Purpose of the Act and Who It Applies To
The primary goal of the Act is to remove barriers in the digital environment so that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to information, services, and digital tools.
The Act applies to a wide range of digital services and products, including websites, mobile applications, e-books, and digital media. Any company that provides these services within the EU or works with clients from the EU must comply with the accessibility standards defined by the EAA.
Common Accessibility Standards and Guidelines
To comply with the EAA, websites must follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, which are divided into three levels of conformance:
Level A – Basic accessibility features, including:
- Alternative text for images
- Keyboard navigation
- Clear labels and instructions in forms
- Accessibility for assistive technologies
This is the minimum level of accessibility required to meet EAA requirements.
Level AA – More advanced features, such as:
- Captions for live audio content
- Sufficient color contrast (at least 4.5:1)
- Logically structured headings
- Consistent and logical navigation elements across the site
This level offers a good balance between accessibility and practical implementation.
Level AAA – The highest and most detailed level, including:
- Very high contrast between text and background (at least 7:1)
- Video content with sign language interpretation
- Detailed audio descriptions for video materials
Websites aiming for this level provide maximum accessibility.
How Can a Web Agency or Developer Prepare for the EAA?
If you manage websites that offer digital products and services to consumers in the EU, it is essential to ensure compliance with EAA standards.
The first step is educating the development team about the Act and accessibility standards. This should be followed by a thorough assessment of clients’ websites to identify areas that do not meet accessibility requirements. Based on the audit results, agencies and developers should create an action plan to improve accessibility and align with the standards. The next step is preparing an accessibility statement that will be publicly available.
If, for any reason, a company is unable to fully comply with accessibility requirements, exemptions may be possible. In such cases, the company must provide a detailed justification for the exemption and offer alternative solutions to improve accessibility.
How Is New Look Entertainment Adapting to the Upcoming Changes?
New Look Entertainment is actively adapting to the European Accessibility Act by implementing WCAG 2.1 standards across all projects. Our developers use semantic HTML, optimized colors and contrasts, screen reader support, and adaptable interfaces. We focus on providing an inclusive user experience for everyone, including persons with disabilities, ensuring legal compliance while improving the overall accessibility of our websites.
