Why EAA Compliance Matters — and Why It’s No Longer Optional
- Development
- Care & Growth
- Stano Dzavoronok
- 3 min read
At xfive, we build digital products that don’t just work — they work for everyone.
How xfive can help?
At xfive, we build digital products that don’t just work — they work for everyone. With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) enforcement deadline approaching (June 28, 2025), digital accessibility isn’t a nice-to-have anymore — it’s a legal and ethical necessity. Whether you’re a fintech company, SaaS provider, ecommerce platform, or public service organization, this directive is likely to affect you.
Why does the EAA exist?
Adopted in 2019 as Directive (EU) 2019/882, the EAA ensures people with disabilities can fully participate in the digital economy. It aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and sets accessibility standards across the EU — from e-commerce sites to mobile banking and digital ticketing systems.
“Accessibility is not about compliance. It’s about inclusion.”
— European Commission, EAA Implementation Guide
Who does it concern?
In short: almost every business that sells or offers digital services in the EU.
The EAA applies to:
- Websites and mobile apps
- E-commerce platforms
- Banking and financial services
- eBooks and e-readers
- Streaming platforms
- Transport ticketing and check-in machines
The only general exception? Microenterprises (fewer than 10 employees and <€2 million turnover), although public pressure may still push them toward compliance.
What are the penalties?
Each EU Member State enforces the EAA through its own national authorities. Non-compliance may result in:
- Fines
- Legal action
- Reputation damage
- Service suspension
The reputational risk — especially for user-centric digital brands — may be even more impactful than the financial penalties.
Real-world use cases
Ecommerce
An international beauty retailer’s Polish website had no screen reader compatibility. Post-audit and remediation, it saw a 12% increase in conversions from older customers using assistive technologies.
Fintech
A mobile banking app in Spain integrated voice control and increased contrast ratios after user feedback and EAA compliance review. The result? A 25% drop in support tickets related to UI confusion.
Travel
A major rail operator aligned its booking kiosks and web interface with EN 301 549 standards. Accessibility compliance unlocked a public-sector partnership contract.
How do we approach it at xfive?
At xfive, accessibility is embedded into both our process and delivery. Here’s how it’s done:
- WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance inclusion into every UI we ship.
- Accessibility Audits and EN 301 549 validation.
- Inclusive design mindset during discovery and prototyping.
- Automated and manual QA that includes screen reader and keyboard tests.
- Developer & client education to sustain accessibility after launch.
We believe accessible products create better outcomes for everyone — not just users with disabilities. It’s smart design, it’s ethical business, and yes, it’s law.
We’re kicking off a brand-new series on the European Accessibility Act (EAA) — and what it really means for you.
Resources to get started:
Ready to assess your EAA readiness? Let’s talk!
European Accessibility Act (EAA) FAQ:
What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
A directive that ensures digital services across the EU are accessible to people with disabilities. It becomes enforceable on June 28, 2025.
Who must comply with the EAA?
Most businesses offering digital services in the EU — including ecommerce, banking, software, and transport.
What happens if my business doesn’t comply?
Penalties can include fines, legal action, reputational damage, and loss of service contracts.
