Web accessibility in Europe
Since 28 June 2025 the European Accessibility Act applies to a long list of private-sector products and services, from online shops to e-books and banking apps. This section explains what the law actually asks for, which technical standard sits underneath it, and how to check a site yourself before anyone sends you an invoice.
Guides in this section
Accessibility statements: what has to be in one
Public sector bodies in the EU must publish an accessibility statement with a feedback mechanism. What the required sections are, and why a copied template is worse than none.
EN 301 549: the European standard behind the accessibility rules
EN 301 549 is the harmonised European standard for ICT accessibility. What it contains beyond WCAG, why the version number matters, and how presumption of conformity works.
The European Accessibility Act: who it applies to and what it asks for
Directive (EU) 2019/882 has applied since 28 June 2025. Which products and services are covered, who is exempt, and what a provider actually has to deliver.
WCAG 2.2 explained: what changed and what it means for your site
WCAG 2.2 became a W3C Recommendation in October 2023. The nine new success criteria, the one that was removed, and how the levels A, AA and AAA are meant to be used.
Other sections
Easy-to-read language
Easy-to-read is a set of rules for writing that people with intellectual disabilities can understand. The European standard, the difference from plain language, and how texts are checked.
Assistive technology
Screen readers, communication aids and reading support explained without vendor language: what each category actually does, who it is for, and what to check before buying.
Disability rights in Europe
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the European rules built on it: legal capacity, independent living, inclusive education, the right to vote and deinstitutionalisation.