The new European regulation on web accessibility: what you need to know about the requirements that will come into force on June 28, 2025

In 2025, the European digital landscape is about to undergo a true revolution with the entry into force of the new European regulation on web accessibility. This change marks a decisive turning point for all businesses, institutions, and developers, who will have to align their websites and applications with the strictest accessibility standards. Beyond regulatory compliance, this is a major challenge to guarantee true digital rights for everyone, particularly users with disabilities. The legislation, stemming from the European Accessibility Act (EAA), now imposes concrete requirements to make the digital world more inclusive and respect the diversity of needs. With a transition period until 2030, it is essential to start on the right foot, by understanding the fundamental principles, the new technical obligations, and above all, by adopting an inclusive web development approach. Considering how the majority of websites are still not fully compliant, this regulatory development appears to be an essential step, synonymous with progress for digital rights, while also imposing technical and strategic challenges for industry players.

The concrete impacts of the European Web Accessibility Regulation in 2025

On June 28, 2025, everything changes. The new European legislation on Web Accessibility doesn’t just establish recommendations: it sets mandatory requirements that both institutional and private websites must comply with. Some of these obligations directly concern the design, development, and management of digital content. The first visible consequence will be a significant increase in the compliance rate, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. In reality, this regulation requires each player to review their processes, integrate inclusive web development practices, and strengthen their RGAA (General Accessibility Framework for Administrations) compliance. For example, an online bank will have to make its payment tools compatible with assistive technologies, such as screen readers, or face sanctions or service withdrawal. Small businesses, as well as large multinationals, are affected, with the notable exception of organizations with fewer than 10 employees or generating less than €2 million annually, which will benefit from specific exemptions, but not for their products.

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Accessibility Standards: Keys to Inclusive Web Development

To understand what’s going to change, we need to look at the accessibility standards that will now be the benchmark. The European directive is based on WCAG 2.1 (Level AA), a recognized international standard that brings together a set of technical criteria to ensure compatibility with all users, including those with disabilities. Whether for navigation, reading, or interaction, every aspect of the user experience must evolve. Key criteria include:

• 👀 Perceptibility: All content must be perceptible to as many people as possible, particularly through the use of alternative text (alt attribute) for images, as well as sufficient contrast.
• 🧭 Usability: Interfaces, buttons, and forms must be keyboard-accessible, with visible focus, and not cause negative effects for certain users.
• 🧠 Comprehensibility: The structure must allow for fluid reading, with logically hierarchical headings and clear language for all. 🏗️
• Robustness: All code must comply with standards to ensure compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers and other digital aids. This level of detail in the scraping/lart-de-la-data-a-votre-portee-comment-le-web-scraping-peut-transformer-votre-entreprise/">application of standards ensures that websites are no longer simply visible, but truly accessible and usable by all. Compliance is becoming a true legal obligation, but also a real strategic issue for any organization wishing to ensure its credibility and longevity in an increasingly inclusive digital world. To achieve this, following the recommendations of the legislation, as well as those of official documentation, is essential, particularly by regularly analyzing platform compliance using tools like Google Lighthouse.

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Beyond strict adherence to accessibility standards, a new dynamic is taking root in the SEO approach, which has already been widely adopted. Indeed, site optimization best practices naturally converge with regulatory compliance. Implementing a clear structure with hierarchical headings, using descriptive text for images, ensuring sufficient contrast, and ensuring mobile compatibility are all aspects that contribute to both search engine visibility and compliance with legal requirements. Going beyond metrics means offering a fluid, intuitive, and inclusive experience. Compliance will not only strengthen your SEO but also secure your site, avoiding penalties, sanctions, and visibility removals. It also requires internal organization: regular audits, team training, and the integration of accessibility criteria into your overall web development strategy. Tools such as Google Lighthouse or Quviso make it easy to identify weak points and quickly adjust both regulatory and SEO compliance.

This shift toward inclusive digitalization is not without major challenges. For developers, SEO and content strategy, best practices must be incorporated today that will comply with the new legislation. Compliance requires in-depth technical work, often within a tight timeframe. In practice, this means reviewing creation processes, training teams, and investing in verification tools. The majority of existing sites will need to be audited and, if necessary, redesigned to meet regulatory accessibility standards. But behind these constraints also lies a tremendous opportunity: to improve inclusive design, attract a wider audience, boost user satisfaction, and differentiate themselves in a world where diversity is becoming a key value. Some large companies, such as GAFA and banks, have already embraced this transition, committing to a digital equality approach. The key will be to go beyond compliance by adopting a truly inclusive web development approach and respecting fundamental digital rights. Frequently Asked Questions about the new European Web Accessibility Regulation

Which businesses are affected by the new legislation?

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Those offering digital services or products, including e-commerce websites, mobile applications, banking services, and digital communication tools, are affected. Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees or a turnover of less than €2 million benefit from specific exemptions, but not for their physical products, such as smartphones or e-readers.

What are the deadlines for compliance?

The new requirements apply from June 28, 2025, for websites and digital services created or modified after this date. For existing websites, compliance must be achieved by 2030. Adopting best practices now facilitates this transition.

How do I check my website’s compliance?

Free tools like Google Lighthouse or AccessIBI allow you to quickly audit your platform’s compliance. It is also recommended to conduct regular checks with digital accessibility specialists.

Why is it crucial to comply with these standards, even for SEO?

Because accessibility criteria increase the website’s visibility and relevance on search engines while complying with legislation, thus avoiding penalties and loss of traffic.

What are the benefits for the user experience?

Smoother navigation, easier reading, better compatibility with all devices and assistive technologies: these are the keys to a truly accessible and inclusive website for all.

Écrit par

Kevin Grillot

Consultant Webmarketing & Expert SEO.

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