The European accessibility act (EAA) ensures key products and services – such as phones, computers, TVs, banking and payment services, public transport, e-commerce platforms, and electronic communications – are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Around 100 million people in the EU live with a disability. The EAA aims to reduce barriers they face daily and enable them to fully participate in society. Select products and services sold in the EU now have to fulfil common accessibility requirements. This includes, for example, adequate font sizes and text-to-speech features in self-service payment terminals, e-readers, and smartphones.
Concretely, it means:
- Public transport: systems operators have to report on the accessibility of stations and their services. Information on transport services, such as timetables or ticket purchase, and information screens at stations must be accessible.
- EU emergency number 112: people with communication difficulties can access emergency services using voice, text, or video in real time and from anywhere in the European Union.
- ATMs: people with vision impairments can better access banking services thanks to accessible, multi-sensory interfaces. Specific height requirements help wheelchair users and people of small stature.
- IT equipment: needs to be accessible and compatible with assistive technologies, enabling persons with disabilities to participate fully in employment.
The act also requires mandatory training in disability and accessibility for service providers.
The EAA came into effect in June 2025. It promotes fairness and justice while fostering growth, innovation, and improved mobility by ensuring a consistent level of accessibility across the EU. The Commission remains committed to enabling equal opportunities for all and ensuring no one is left behind.
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Get to know European legislation on accessibility
