The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is set to come into force on June 28, 2025, establishing minimum accessibility requirements for consumer products and services throughout the European Union. The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe) has expressed support for this development, highlighting the digital sector's dedication to enhancing accessibility through technological innovation.
Despite welcoming the EAA's implementation, CCIA Europe calls upon the European Commission to offer clear guidance to ensure consistent enforcement of these standards. Currently, some critical technical standards are still under development by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). In light of this, CCIA Europe advises national authorities to focus on addressing significant compliance risks rather than minor deficiencies during this transitional period. This approach aims to bring tangible improvements for individuals with disabilities in both digital and physical settings.
The EAA represents a significant step forward in promoting inclusive design across the EU. It seeks to harmonize business requirements while ensuring that essential goods and services—ranging from smartphones to online banking—are accessible to everyone. For companies in the digital sector, this entails incorporating minimum accessibility standards into various offerings such as social media platforms, e-commerce websites, and messaging services.
Daniel Friedlaender, Senior Vice President and Head of CCIA Europe, emphasized: “CCIA Europe reiterates the digital sector’s commitment to advancing accessibility as the European Accessibility Act takes effect.” He further noted: “However, with key technical standards still in development, we urge the European Commission to issue clear guidance. In the meantime, Member States should take a proportionate enforcement approach – prioritising serious compliance risks over minor technical gaps.”