The European Accessibility Act in Belgium: What changes in June 2025?

The EU is aiming to remove barriers across the continent by making more products and services digitally accessible. 

Back in 2016, a law was introduced to ensure public sector organisations improved digital access. But until now, businesses weren’t held to the same standard. That’s changing. 

As of 28 June 2025, the EAA applies to commercial organisations. For many companies, this marks a major shift—digital accessibility is no longer a "nice-to-have", it’s a legal requirement. So the question is: is your organisation ready? 

The EAA focuses on sectors and services that play a big role in consumers' lives. If your website or app involves online transactions or contracts, chances are you’ll fall under the new rules. 

Here are a few of the key categories: 

• E-commerce services – Whether it’s an online store, booking platform or food delivery app, if users can order, buy or reserve something, it must be accessible. 

• Banking and financial services – Online banking platforms, apps, insurance tools—if they’re aimed at consumers, they’re included. 

• Telecom and media services – This includes websites and customer portals from telecom providers, as well as streaming platforms and digital TV services. 

• Transport services – Airlines, rail operators, bus companies—all need accessible apps, booking systems and check-in kiosks. 

• E-books and digital publications – Publishers and e-book platforms must ensure both the reading devices and the content meet accessibility standards. 

• Products like ATMs, self-service terminals and computers – Manufacturers of hardware like ticket machines, smartphones and payment terminals will also need to comply. 

In short, the EAA applies to services we all use on a daily basis—from shopping and banking to entertainment and travel. 

Got a purely informational website with no e-commerce or user interaction? Even then, it’s a smart move to start focusing on accessibility. 

While not all websites are currently covered, the regulatory trend clearly points toward “accessibility by default.” It's likely just a matter of time before all digital communication needs to meet these standards. 

Plus, today’s users expect seamless online experiences—no matter their abilities or circumstances. 

The EAA likely refers to the WCAG 2.1 AA standards—that’s the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines created by the W3C. 

In short, your digital platforms need to be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. 

A few practical examples: 

• Add descriptive alt text to images so screen readers can convey what’s shown. 

• Use high colour contrast and avoid relying solely on colour to convey meaning. 

• Make your site fully navigable via keyboard, for users who can’t use a mouse. 

• Add captions or transcripts to videos so deaf or hard-of-hearing users can access the content. 

• Ensure a clear, consistent interface with proper labels and understandable language. 

• Write robust code that’s compatible with assistive tech, using proper HTML and semantic structure. 

You’ll also need to publish an accessibility statement explaining how your site or app meets the requirements, where it falls short (if applicable), and how you plan to fix it. Think of it like the cookie or privacy statement introduced with GDPR. 

Plus, make it easy for users to report accessibility issues—via a contact form or dedicated email address. 

Yes, but they are quite limited. 

• Small businesses (fewer than 10 employees or a turnover under 2 million euros) are exempt. 

• There’s flexibility if compliance would cause disproportionate hardship or require fundamental changes. 

• Existing websites and apps get a grace period until 28 June 2028, unless they undergo a significant update before then. 

That said, most professional organisations won’t be exempt. And even if you can claim disproportionate effort, it’s usually smarter (and better for your brand) to find an inclusive workaround. 

The spirit of the law is clear: prioritise inclusion unless there’s truly no other option.

You might be thinking: “Sure, it’s the law—but what’s in it for me?” 

A lot, actually. Companies that embrace accessibility see big returns, both ethically and commercially: 

• Reach more people – Around 100 million people in the EU live with a disability. Add to that the growing ageing population and those with temporary impairments, and your accessible site suddenly has a much bigger audience. 

• Improve your UX – Accessibility often overlaps with great UX: fast load times, intuitive design, clear content—all things that benefit every user. 

• Boost your brand – You’ll be seen as a responsible, forward-thinking company that values inclusion—something consumers and partners care more about than ever. 

• Help your SEO – Many accessibility best practices (like alt text and clean structure) align with good SEO. That means better visibility in search engines and more organic traffic. That’s a clear win-win, right? 

• Stay compliant – Meeting legal requirements avoids fines and also strengthens your position in tenders and partnerships, especially where public sector contracts are involved. 

In short, accessibility isn’t just a tick-box. It’s a smart investment in your digital future.

Making your websites and apps accessible may seem like a big task, but it’s totally manageable with a step-by-step approach: 

1. Define your scope and priorities – Which user journeys need attention first? 

2. Conduct an audit – How accessible is your site or app right now? 

3. Write an accessibility statement – Share where you stand, what you plan to improve, and how people can reach you. 

4. Fix the issues – Make the necessary tech and content improvements. 

5. Train your team – Get your designers, developers and editors on board with accessibility standards. 

6. Keep testing – Regularly check that everything still works as intended. 

By embedding accessibility into your digital strategy, you’re building a more inclusive, future-proof business. 

The European Accessibility Act ushers in a new era. From June 2025, digital accessibility becomes the standard across much of the private sector in Belgium and beyond. 

This is your chance to get ahead. Companies that act now will not only be compliant, but will also lead the way in inclusive digital experiences. 

To sum it up: digital accessibility is here to stay. It’s good for your users, great for your brand, and—soon—legally required. Don’t wait until the last minute. Start preparing today and enjoy the benefits tomorrow. 

Need help getting your digital platforms up to speed? At iO, we’ve got your back. Our experts can carry out an in-depth accessibility audit and support you every step of the way—from planning and implementation to team training. 

Let’s make digital work for everyone.