European Web Accessibility Directive

European Accessibility Act (EAA) A step towards a more inclusive digital Europe.

Comes into force: 28 June 2025

Directive (EU) 2019/882 — known as the European Accessibility Act (EAA) — sets out mandatory rules to ensure digital products and services are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.

What does this directive require?

The directive requires companies and organisations to ensure their digital products and services meet minimum accessibility criteria. The main requirements include:

Compatibility with assistive technologies (e.g. screen readers);
Accessible keyboard navigation;
Structured, easy-to-understand content (WCAG 2.1 level AA);
Accessible formats made available (e.g. accessible PDFs, captions);
Accessible digital interfaces and kiosks.

Who does it apply to?

It applies to all bodies (public or private) that provide:

Digital products covered:

Computers, smartphones and tablets;
E-book readers and operating systems;
ATMs, ticketing and check-in kiosks;
Digital television equipment.

Services covered:

Websites, apps and e-commerce;
Digital banking services and electronic communications;
Audiovisual content and video platforms;
Digital transport information and ticketing;
Emergency calls (the European 112 number).

Exemption: microenterprises providing services (fewer than 10 employees and annual turnover below €2M), unless national law states otherwise.

What do you need to do to comply?

Key steps to ensure compliance

Map every product and service that falls within the scope of the Directive.
Gap analysis against the requirements of EN 301 549 and WCAG 2.1 AA, identifying points of non-compliance.
Accessibility testing: Automated tools (e.g. axe, Lighthouse) Testing with real users of assistive technology
Automated tools (e.g. axe, Lighthouse)
Testing with real users of assistive technology
Fixing the issues found (alt text, keyboard navigation, contrast, legibility, semantic structures).
Accessibility Statement: a public document setting out the level of compliance and any remaining incompatibilities, along with the plan to correct them.
Ongoing governance: Define internal roles and processes (e.g. accessibility built into the development cycle) Team training Regular monitoring and maintenance
Define internal roles and processes (e.g. accessibility built into the development cycle)
Team training
Regular monitoring and maintenance

From 28 June 2025, customers will be able to take legal action to enforce these requirements. So the ideal is to have every step completed before that date and to confirm formally, in the meantime, that the services we provide will be fully compliant.

Documentation:

Accessibility statement available.
Documented justification in the event of a derogation.
Retention of evidence of compliance for 5 years.

Key dates

28 June 2025 — the directive comes into force;
28 June 2030 — end of the use of non-compliant products in the services covered;
28 June 2045 — mandatory withdrawal of non-accessible self-service terminals.

Our commitment

At Jelly, we are committed to a more accessible digital world. That means making sure our products and services meet the legal requirements, creating inclusive experiences for every user.