The European Accessibility Act represents a major step towards a more inclusive and equitable society across the European Union. This legislation sets out clear requirements to ensure that people with disabilities and diverse abilities can access products and services on an equal basis with others.
From 28 June 2025, companies and organisations operating in the EU must ensure that a wide range of products and services placed on the market comply with accessibility requirements. The objective is simple but ambitious: to remove barriers, support independent living and enable full participation in social and economic life throughout Europe.
The European Accessibility Act applies to a broad spectrum of products and services that are essential in everyday life. These requirements are harmonised at EU level to ensure consistency across Member States and to facilitate cross-border trade.
Computers and operating systems
Smartphones and tablets
Smart TVs and digital television services
Passenger transport services, including road, rail, air and maritime transport
Banking services, ATMs and payment terminals
Ticketing machines and automated check-in systems
Self-service terminals and vending machines
E-books and digital reading solutions
Information related to transport services
E-commerce platforms
Audiovisual and multimedia services
Electronic communications services
Mobile applications, including banking and service apps
Digital services integrated into connected devices
Accessibility requirements apply both to functionality and to the way information is presented, ensuring usability for people with visual, hearing, cognitive or motor impairments.
Across Europe, national authorities are responsible for monitoring compliance with the Accessibility Act within their jurisdictions. Organisations that fail to meet the legal requirements may face financial penalties, corrective measures and reputational damage.
Sanctions vary by Member State but typically include:
Administrative fines proportionate to the severity of the infringement
Mandatory corrective actions within defined timeframes
Increased scrutiny by regulatory authorities
Beyond financial risks, non-compliance can limit market access and undermine trust with customers, partners and public bodies.
Why investing in accessibility brings clear advantages
While adapting products and services may require effort, the benefits of accessibility go well beyond legal compliance:
Access to a wider and more diverse customer base
Improved user experience for all users, not only people with disabilities
Stronger brand reputation and customer loyalty
Alignment with EU digital accessibility standards and best practices
Contribution to social inclusion and equal opportunities
Accessibility is increasingly recognised as a driver of innovation, quality and long-term sustainability.
How to implement inclusive communication and accessibility solutions
Achieving compliance with the European Accessibility Act requires a structured and informed approach. This includes accessibility audits, technical adaptations, content optimisation and inclusive communication strategies.
At AP | PORTUGAL, we support organisations across Europe in aligning with accessibility requirements through practical, tailored solutions in digital accessibility and inclusive communication. Our work is grounded in specialist expertise, up-to-date regulatory knowledge and ongoing research into accessibility and inclusive design at national and European level.
By adopting the right strategies today, organisations can ensure compliance, enhance user experience and position themselves as responsible and forward-looking actors in the European market.
ABOUT US
AP | PORTUGAL is the expression of service and vision in the fields of communication technologies, event management, translation, interpretation, and audiovisual communication.
With offices in Lisbon and Porto, it is the only Portuguese company certified by both International Quality Standards ISO 17100, ISO 18587 and ISO 23155, and also by DGERT as a training entity. Internationally renowned for its skills in the areas of translation, interpretation, transcription, localization, subtitling, video production, artificial intellingence solutions and proofreading, the company is also specialized in event and conference management, audiovisual equipment rental, and VRI - Video Remote Interpreting.
The company’s intervention extends to the area of creative content production in any language, allowing AP | PORTUGAL to support companies and organizations through its Copywriting platform, also focusing on text, audio or video solutions based on Artificial Intelligence.
AP PORTUGAL includes the Artiga Center - European Centre for Amplified Events -, a facility which offers all equipment necessary for any type of event, be it hybrid, face-to-face or digital, besides being equipped for face-to-face or digital Team Building activities.
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