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.
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:
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:
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.
Beyond legal compliance, prioritising digital accessibility brings several key advantages:
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.
Justin Psaila is the UX/UI Team Lead at Deloitte Digital, Malta. For more information, please visit www.deloittedigital.com/mt