Table of contents
Introduction
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a European directive set to officially take effect on June 28, 2025. Its primary goal is to ensure that digital products and services are accessible—usable even by people with disabilities—by establishing minimum standards and shared technical requirements across all EU member states.
Today, 1.3 billion people worldwide, representing 16% of the global population, live with a disability. In Europe, that number exceeds 100 million, and in Italy alone, it’s approximately 13 million (or 22% of the national population). For these individuals, navigating the web can become a real obstacle when websites, apps, and digital platforms are not designed to be accessible. Making your website usable by those who rely on assistive technologies—such as screen readers or alternative input devices—is not only best practice; it’s a true act of inclusion and a practical strategy to expand your reach.
It is precisely to foster a more inclusive and accessible digital environment that the European Union has introduced this new directive
Who is the EAA for?
The regulation applies to all private and public organizations with more than 10 employees or an annual turnover exceeding €2 million, that offer digital products or services within the European market.
What’s changing?
By June 28, 2025, websites, apps, e-commerce platforms, and digital content will be required to comply with specific accessibility standards, based on international guidelines such as the WCAG – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
What happens if you’re not compliant?
Starting in 2025, digital products and services that are not accessible may face serious consequences, including:
- Removal from the market or take-down of websites and apps
- Administrative fines of up to 5% of annual revenue for large corporations
- Fines ranging from €2,500 to €40,000 for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
In Italy, the AgID (Agency for Digital Italy) will be the authority responsible for handling complaints submitted by users with disabilities and for initiating sanction procedures against non-compliant websites.
Digital accessibility: a legal requirement, but also a real opportunity
Investing in accessibility doesn’t just mean complying with regulations—it also means improving your online performance. According to a study by Semrush:
- 73.4% of accessible websites saw an increase in organic traffic
- 66.6% experienced a 50% growth in organic visits
- 12% recorded an overall increase in average traffic
Moreover, the spending power of people with disabilities and their families exceeds $13 trillion globally. In Italy alone, this market represents more than €40 billion per year.
Dandicom is here to support you
We help businesses embrace this change by offering tailored solutions, strategic consulting, and the development of compliant and accessible e-commerce websites.
Want to know if your website is accessible?
Request a free consultation with our team.
FAQ
The European Accessibility Act is an EU directive that establishes common minimum requirements to make digital products and services usable by people with disabilities. It will officially come into force on June 28, 2025, impacting websites, e-commerce, and apps.
The regulation applies to all private and public companies with more than 10 employees or an annual turnover exceeding 2 million euros, and that offer digital products or services in the European market. Compliance must be based on the international WCAG standards.
Non-compliant companies risk the withdrawal of products from the market and the blacklisting of non-accessible websites. Corporations may face penalties up to 5% of turnover, while SMEs risk fines from €2,500 to €40,000, managed in Italy by AgID.
In addition to being an obligation, accessibility is a concrete business and inclusion opportunity, given that the purchasing power of people with disabilities is high. Accessible websites register an increase in organic traffic, with tangible benefits on online performance.