WCAG 2.1 & the European Accessibility Act 2025: What You Need to Know

Web accessibility is no longer optional — it’s a legal and ethical obligation. With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) coming into full effect in June 2025, businesses across the EU must ensure their websites and digital products are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. In this article, we’ll explain what WCAG 2.1 is, what the EAA requires, the consequences of non-compliance, how to test your site for accessibility, and how WordPress users can ensure compliance.

📖 What is WCAG 2.1?

WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, created by the W3C to help developers and content creators make web content more accessible.

Version 2.1 builds on previous versions and includes guidelines aimed at:

• People with visual impairments (low vision or blindness)
• People with motor disabilities
• Users navigating via touchscreens
• Those using assistive technologies, like screen readers

⚙️ WCAG Compliance Levels:

• Level A – Minimum requirements
• Level AA – Recommended standard (and most common legal requirement)
• Level AAA – Highest level of accessibility

For most websites, Level AA compliance is the required benchmark.

🇪🇺 What Does the European Accessibility Act (EAA) Require?

The European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882) aims to harmonize accessibility requirements across EU countries.

What it Covers:
As of June 28, 2025, businesses providing digital services or products in the EU — such as websites, e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, e-books, banking terminals, and more — must ensure accessibility compliance.
Unlike previous directives (which mostly affected public sector websites), the EAA applies to private companies as well.

⚠️ What Are the Risks of Non-Compliance?

Failing to comply with WCAG and EAA standards may result in:

• Fines from national regulatory authorities
• Loss of customers who can’t use your services
• Legal actions or complaints by individuals or advocacy groups
• Damage to your brand’s reputation and public trust

🔍 How to Check If Your Site Is Accessible

There are many tools and methods to evaluate your website’s accessibility:

Automated Tools:

• WAVE by WebAIM
• axe DevTools
• Google Lighthouse (built into Chrome DevTools)
• WordPress accessibility plugins (e.g., WP Accessibility)

Manual Checks:

• Navigate using only the keyboard (no mouse)
• Use a screen reader like NVDA or VoiceOver
• Ensure proper color contrast and readable font sizes
• Add descriptive alt text to all images

💡 Why Accessibility Makes Business Sense

Meeting WCAG standards isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s also a strategic advantage:

• Reach a broader audience: Accessible websites serve everyone better.
• Boost SEO: Many WCAG practices align with Google’s SEO recommendations.
• Improve UX: Accessibility often leads to clearer, more intuitive design.
• Faster performance: Cleaner, semantic code leads to faster load times.
• Reduce legal risk: Avoid potential lawsuits or fines.

🖥️ What If You Use WordPress?

WordPress offers many built-in features and tools to support accessibility, but you still need to configure and test it properly.

1. Choose an Accessibility-Ready Theme

Look for themes labeled “Accessibility Ready” on WordPress.org or premium themes tested against WCAG guidelines.

2. Install Accessibility Plugins

• WP Accessibility – Adds essential accessibility features
• One Click Accessibility – Lightweight and easy to use
• UserWay or EqualWeb Widgets – Optional overlays (note: not a substitute for full compliance)

3. Use ALT Text for All Images

Every image must include meaningful, descriptive alt attributes.

4. Maintain Proper Structure

Use semantic HTML and heading hierarchy (H1, H2, etc.).
Ensure buttons and links are descriptive and accessible.
Avoid relying on color alone to convey meaning.

5. Run Accessibility Tests Often

Regularly recheck your site after updates or design changes using the tools mentioned earlier.

📌 Final Thoughts

Complying with WCAG 2.1 and the European Accessibility Act isn’t just about ticking a box — it’s about building a more inclusive, future-proof, and user-friendly web presence. Whether you run a small business site or a full-featured eCommerce platform, now is the time to prepare.

Need help making your site accessible?
Our team can audit your website, recommend improvements, and help bring your digital platform into full compliance with WCAG standards and the EAA.