The EU Accessibility Act: What Maltese businesses need to know
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) will shortly come into effect and require businesses across the EU, including those in Malta, to ensure their in-scope digital services and products are accessible to people with disabilities. Amongst the entities which will fall within the scope of the digital accessibility requirements laid down in the EAA are banks, telecommunications and e-commerce companies. While compliance is a legal obligation for economic operators which fall within scope of the EAA, improving accessibility also enhances the user experience (UX) and creates a more inclusive digital environment.
The EAA has been transposed into Maltese law and will come into force on 28 June 2025.
Understanding the EU Accessibility Act
The EAA is a directive aimed at removing digital accessibility barriers across the European Union. It establishes standards for a range of digital products and services, including:
- Failure to meet these standards could lead to fines, legal repercussions and reputational damage. However, accessibility is more than just a legal requirement. It presents businesses with an opportunity to cater to a wider audience, including individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with temporary impairments.
The EAA and WCAG compliance
The EAA aligns closely with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, an internationally recognised standard for digital accessibility. WCAG defines three levels of compliance:
- Level A: The most basic level, requiring features such as alternative text for images and keyboard-friendly navigation.
- Level AA: The minimum standard under the EAA, which includes proper colour contrast, scalable text, and compatibility with assistive technologies.
- Level AAA: The most advanced level, offering the highest degree of accessibility, though it is not legally required.
For Maltese businesses, achieving WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance is mandatory under the EAA. This ensures that digital platforms are usable by people with different needs, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments.
Why accessibility matters
Beyond legal compliance, prioritising digital accessibility brings several key advantages:
- Improved SEO: Search engines favour accessible websites, leading to better rankings and increased organic traffic.
- Enhanced customer experience: A well-designed, inclusive website provides a smoother user journey.
- Expanded market reach: Accessible digital platforms engage a wider audience, including the 135 million people with disabilities across the EU
- Higher conversion rates: Websites that are easy to use often lead to higher customer engagement and conversions.
Next steps for Maltese businesses
With the EAA compliance deadlines approaching, businesses should start assessing their digital accessibility now. Consulting accessibility specialists will help to ensure full compliance while also improving usability for a broader audience.
Taking proactive steps will not only prevent legal issues but will allow for the creation of more user-friendly and inclusive digital experiences for everyone.
