The European Accessibility Act (EAA) introduced a significant shift that has impacted many businesses. All websites must ensure they don’t exclude or disadvantage anyone.
Those aiming to earn customer trust and loyalty have always paid attention to clarity, simplicity, and user-friendliness. Still, every online shop slips up occasionally—some even veer into misleading or unclear practices. Until now, the worst consequence has been lost customers. But starting June 28th, 2025, websites with confusing, inaccessible, or deceptive content may face heavy penalties.
The EAA is driven by the belief that access to the Internet is a fundamental right, not a privilege. That means websites must be inclusive. Users with disabilities, impaired vision, or elderly visitors should be able to navigate content just like everyone else. Sanctions may follow if an audit after June 28th, 2025, finds your site lacking.
The End of Inaccessible Digital Services
Accessibility requirements are not entirely new, but they have primarily been applied to public institutions so far. From June 28th, 2025, the EAA will extend its focus to the private sector. E-shops, banking platforms, mobile apps, and online marketplaces must all comply. The digital economy is entering a new era.
Websites created after June 28th, 2025, must meet the new standards from day one. Existing sites have more time to adapt until June 28th, 2030, but as soon as a significant update is made, they must comply with the new rules. If you’re unsure whether this affects you, start addressing accessibility now and get ahead.
What Accessibility Actually Means
Website accessibility is often associated with people with disabilities, but in reality, it benefits a much broader audience: seniors, people recovering from injuries, or anyone accessing your website under challenging conditions, like on a mobile device under bright sunlight or with a weak internet connection.
Accessibility is about delivering a great user experience for anyone, on any device, under any conditions. It means intuitive, clean, legible content. Accessible websites load fast, aren’t cluttered with ads, have straightforward navigation, logical structure, and easy-to-follow content. When you click a button, you know exactly what will happen. There is no guessing. There is no frustration.
Does this sound like a no-brainer? You're already on the right track if you’ve invested in thoughtful UX/UI, clean microcopy, and intuitive design.
Modern e-shop owners already know a responsive website is essential, and SEO demands fast page loading. Anyone serious about conversions has long treated accessibility as a priority. But for those who haven’t, the European Commission will soon offer a powerful motivator—fines.
How Accessibility Is Changing Web Design and Tech
There’s more. EAA sets design and technology standards beyond the usual marketing toolkit.
Under EAA, digital services must comply with WCAG 2.1 standards at level AA. This includes requirements like sufficient contrast between text and background, keyboard navigation, alt text for images, and accessible forms usable with assistive technologies. While some of these—like contrast and alt tags—are already handled by SEO and UX specialists, others are too often overlooked.
Our Approach to Web Accessibility
At MFG, we build accessible websites because we care about the user experience. Our Minion division specializes in EAA compliance and advises companies on how to meet the requirements. But for us, accessibility goes beyond just ticking boxes—it’s about a mindset shift in how digital services are built.
It’s not enough to fix a few visuals. What matters is understanding how people use your website and making access to information seamless. Clients might come to us for compliance, but what they leave with is a site their users love to use.
Minion begins with a thorough accessibility audit, identifying common issues like poor contrast, hard-to-follow navigation, or unclear content structure. Then we propose targeted updates that meet EAA standards and enhance the overall user experience. With the right mindset, accessibility isn’t a burden—it’s an investment in a better, more modern website.
Accessibility as a Competitive Advantage
Businesses that neglect accessibility could face legal trouble and lose customers. But those who prepare now will reach a wider audience, gain a competitive edge, and strengthen their brand.
Investing in inclusive design sends a clear message: you care about all your users. That kind of care shows in customer loyalty and boosts your brand's perception in the market.
Where to Start?
Start with us. Minion offers complete accessibility audits and tailored improvement plans, whether for a new website or an audit of an existing one. Accessibility isn’t just about rules—it’s about better, more effective digital communication for everyone.
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