Firstly proposed in 2012 by European Commission’s Vice-President Viviane Reding, then approved in 2019, the European Accessibility Act (EAA), will become effective on 28^th June 2025.

Directive 2019/882, also known as EAA, is an extension of the 2012 Accessibility Act and allows EU citizens with disabilities to better access products and services which have been identified as essentials for them. This common law on accessibility applies on a wide range of goods and services such as public and non-public transports, computers, ATMs, smartphones, banking services etc. Failing to respect this Directive would result in penalties including fines for European public-sector organisations.

Eurostat reports that 26.8% of EU citizens aged 16 years and over reported some form of disability in 2023. Thus, this Directive is indispensable in the EU. Furthermore, EAA is also highly required as the European population gets older. In fact, when individuals get older, they tend to develop more severe limitations.

Previously, requirements related to goods and services placed and provided by the EU market were different from country to country. To reduce these daily barriers which prevent persons with disabilities from making fully use of public transports, buildings and all kind of services, EAA has been created. This Directive better integrates individuals with limitations within the society. Therefore, it more effectively upholds article 26 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of The European Union that recognizes and respects the right of persons with disabilities to benefit from measures aimed at ensuring their independence, social and occupational integration, and full participation in community life.