Did you know that failure to comply with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) could result in fines as high as €250,000? Or in some cases, imprisonment? With the June 2025 deadline fast approaching, EU organisations need to act now to ensure their websites and digital products are accessible to all. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the EAA, what non-compliance could cost you, and how to safeguard your business against potential lawsuits.
What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a landmark directive aimed at making all products and services across the EU accessible to people with disabilities. Introduced in 2019, it provides a unified framework under which existing accessibility regulations, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines serve, making it easier for businesses to comply across borders.
If your organisation operates or trades in an EU member state and has more than 10 employees and an annual turnover greater than €2 million, you are required to comply with the EAA by June 2025. To do this, follow the requirements set out in WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
Free EAA Compliance Audit of your Website
Detecting EAA Compliance issues has never been easier than it is now. At Recite Me we offer a free audit of your websites homepage. This will identify and highlight any non-compliance on your website as it relates to the European Accessibility Act and WCAG. Followed by recommendations on how to implement the necessary changes to improve your websites accessibility score and standing.
Types of fines that can be ordered under the EAA
EAA-related fines are designed to ensure compliance and accountability. These penalties vary in type and severity to address different levels of non-compliance. From one-time administrative fines for specific violations to ongoing daily penalties for unresolved issues, each type of fine serves a unique purpose. The goal is not just to punish non-compliance, but to encourage businesses to take swift action and prioritise accessibility improvements. Let’s take a closer look.
Non-compliance
Non-compliance fines are administrative penalties imposed when a business fails to meet EAA requirements. These fines can range from €5,000 to €20,000 per violation, depending on the severity of the issue.
A Dutch e-commerce website, for example, might be fined somewhere in the region €10,000 for failing to provide text alternatives for images, as this makes the site inaccessible to visually impaired users. Similarly, an Italian public transport app could face a €15,000 penalty for failing to implement proper keyboard navigation, as they are preventing people with mobility challenges from using the service.
Daily penalties
Daily penalties are imposed for ongoing non-compliance, and can reach sums of up to €1,000 per day. This might seem steep, but the EU uses these penalties as a means to incentivise rapid action. Put simply, daily penalties prevent repeat offenders from avoiding making necessary accessibility improvements. A Belgian tech startup, for example, might accrue a €30,000 fine over 30 days due to unresolved navigation issues on their platform, unless rapidly addressed.
Examples of EAA fines in different countries
The EAA provides a framework for accessibility, which is determined by the EU. However, the enforcement mechanisms behind this framework (i.e., penalties and legal procedures) are determined at the national level. This decentralised approach to accessibility means that organisations may face different extents of legal action depending on which country they are based in. Here’s a snapshot of EAA non-compliance penalties across various member states:
- Ireland: Up to €60,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 18 months for severe non-compliance.
- Sweden: Fines of up to €200,000, plus corrective action if mandated.
- Belgium: Fines ranging from €1,000 to €50,000. Continuous non-compliance could lead to business suspension.
- France: Penalties of up to €250,000 for failing to make public-facing platforms accessible.
- Italy: Penalties of up to 5% of the non-compliant organisation’s turnover, or between €5,000 and €40,000.
- Germany: Failure to comply with the EAA can lead to fines of up to €100,000.
Other potential consequences of an EAA lawsuit
Financial penalties are just the tip of the iceberg. An EAA lawsuit can have far-reaching consequences that go beyond fines.
Reputational damage
Being publicly associated with an accessibility lawsuit can harm your brand’s reputation. Existing customers may lose trust in your organisation, opting to take their business elsewhere, often to more inclusive competitors. Potential or future clients may also lose interest in pursuing a long-term commitment with your brand, perceiving your organisation as discriminatory or out of touch.
Legal costs
Defending against an EAA lawsuit can be costly. Legal fees can be in the thousands depending on the complexity of the case. These expenses can severely strain a business, especially small to medium-sized enterprises, where resources are more limited.
Increased scrutiny & market exclusion
Once your business is flagged for non-compliance, regulators and watchdogs may place it under heightened scrutiny. This could lead to further investigations, making it harder to operate smoothly or focus on other business goals. Worse yet, non-compliance could exclude you from lucrative markets, especially if you rely on public-sector contracts or partnerships in accessibility-conscious industries.
How to Mitigate against European Accessibility Act fines
So, you’re now well aware of the risks involved with EAA non-compliance. To avoid these risks, all you have to do is comply with the EAA, right? But that’s easier said than done. There’s a lot involved in making your digital services accessible, and it’s not always clear where to start, especially for new business owners.
With that said, EAA-compliance essentially boils down to 4 crucial steps, which we’ll unpack for you in this section.
1. Run an EAA Audit of your website
The first step is to conduct a thorough audit of your website for EAA compliance. A blend of automated, manual, and user testing should be used to benchmark your website against WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. The results of this audit help you figure out which features are non-compliant, giving you your start point.
2. Use the findings to implement change
An audit provides a roadmap for improvement. So, once you’ve conducted your initial audit, use the findings to update your website’s design, content, and navigation until all flagged elements meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Prioritise issues that have the greatest impact on user experience.
3. Monitor your website for EAA compliance regularly
The next step is to conduct regular audits as part of a healthy monitoring schedule. This helps ensure ongoing compliance, future-proofing your site against evolving regulation changes or website adjustments.
4. Develop your knowledge of the EAA through additional training
Finally, equip your team with the knowledge they need to maintain accessibility standards. Consider workshops on WCAG guidelines, inclusive design principles, and the importance of accessibility. By fostering a culture of accessibility, you reduce the risk of future non-compliance.
Download your free EAA Compliance Checklist
Want to make sure your website is compliant with the European Accessibility Act? Then get started today with our EAA checklist. This document details all of the important steps you need to take to ensure your website is EAA compliant before the deadline. Work through each step to avoid the negative consequences of being non-compliant.
Don’t miss the 2025 deadline for European Accessibility Act compliance
The June 2025 deadline is fast approaching, leaving little time for organisations to meet EAA requirements. Failure to act now could result in costly fines, reputational damage, and loss of market opportunities.
Recite Me offers powerful tools to help you stay compliant. Empower your users by allowing them to tailor your website and its elements to their specific needs with our accessibility toolbar. Or, leverage our accessibility checker to conduct thorough website audits according to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Audit your website today and take the first step towards avoiding fines and building a more inclusive, compliant digital presence.
Need More Help Becoming EAA Compliant?
The following resources are packed full of actionable tips and expert advice for making your digital content compliant with the European Accessibility Act:
European Accessibility Checklist
Start ticking off European Accessibility Act requirements and ensure your organisation is compliant to avoid the risks.
European Accessibility Act Guide
Ensure your organisation is meeting the necessary requirements for European Accessibility Act compliance.
Free EAA Audit of your Website
Download a free accessibility check of your website. This report will highlight any EAA non-compliance and how to fix it.
