Digital Accessibility Laws in European Union

3 laws applying to 27 member states.

National Laws

EU Web Accessibility Directive

Directive (EU) 2016/2102

Requires EU member state public sector bodies to make their websites and mobile applications accessible to persons with disabilities, conforming to WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Member states must publish accessibility statements and provide a feedback mechanism.

WCAG Standard

2.1 AA

Applies To

Public sector bodies in EU member states

Enforcement

Audit

Enacted

2016

Official source →

EN 301 549

ETSI EN 301 549 V3.2.1

The European harmonized standard for ICT accessibility, referenced by the EU Web Accessibility Directive and European Accessibility Act. Incorporates WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements for web content and adds additional requirements for non-web software and hardware.

WCAG Standard

2.1 AA

Applies To

ICT products and services in the European Union

Enforcement

Audit

Enacted

2014

Official source →

European Accessibility Act

Directive (EU) 2019/882

Establishes EU-wide accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services, including websites, e-commerce, banking, e-books, and transport services. Member states were required to transpose the directive into national law by June 2022; compliance requirements took effect June 28, 2025.

WCAG Standard

2.1 AA

Applies To

Public and private sector products and services in EU

Enforcement

Fine

Enacted

2019

Official source →

27 Member States

Austria Belgium Bulgaria Cyprus Czech Republic Germany Denmark Estonia Spain Finland France Greece Croatia Hungary Ireland Italy Lithuania Luxembourg Latvia Malta Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Sweden Slovenia Slovakia