In June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) becomes fully enforceable across the EU. This law requires that many digital products and services—like websites, apps, ticket machines, and e-commerce platforms—be made accessible to people with disabilities.
But meeting these legal requirements isn’t just about good intentions—it’s now about legal risk, market access, and public trust.
This guide explains the relationship between:
And how to test compliance using WCAG 2.2 scanners and checkers
What Is the European Accessibility Act?
A Quick Overview of the EAA
The European Accessibility Act (Directive EU 2019/882) sets minimum accessibility requirements for a wide range of digital services and products across all EU Member States. It aims to remove barriers and harmonize standards across the single market.
📘 Read the full directive here:
Directive (EU) 2019/882 – European Accessibility Act
What Is EN 301 549, and Why Does It Matter?
EN 301 549 is the European harmonized standard used to show conformance with the EAA. It provides detailed accessibility requirements for ICT (Information and Communication Technology) products and services.
How EN 301 549 Relates to WCAG 2.2
EN 301 549 references WCAG 2.2 as its baseline for web accessibility requirements. Conformance to WCAG 2.2 therefore helps demonstrate alignment with the EAA.
📄 Official standard:
ETSI EN 301 549 v3.2.1 PDF (March 2022)
What Is WCAG 2.2 and How Is It Tested?
WCAG 2.2 Compliance Explained
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 are internationally recognized criteria for making digital content accessible. It introduces success criteria for mobile use, focus appearance, and cognitive challenges.
🔗 View the guidelines:
WCAG 2.2 by W3C (Web Accessibility Initiative)
Tools for Testing: WCAG 2.2 Scanner vs Checker
You can evaluate WCAG conformance using:
Try one via GetWCAG.com to identify issues before they become liabilities.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Real Legal Risks and Fines Under the EAA
The EAA requires each Member State to define and enforce penalties. These may include:
These penalties are mandated under:
📘 Article 29 and Article 30 of the EAA (National penalties and enforcement mechanisms)
How to Prepare: A Simple EAA Compliance Checklist
Run an Accessibility Scan
Use the GetWCAG.com scanner to check your website’s conformance with WCAG 2.2 and EN 301 549.
Fix the Basics
Start with the most common WCAG 2.2 failures:
Document issues and remediation steps to show proactive effort in audits or complaints.
Keep Learning
Refer to official EU resources and standards bodies:
Conclusion: Accessibility Isn’t Optional—It’s the Law
The European Accessibility Act is here—and it’s enforceable. Understanding how EN 301 549, WCAG 2.2, and automated accessibility scans work together will help your organization avoid penalties and create better digital experiences for everyone.
Start now, scan your site, and take accessibility seriously before enforcement begins.