Since June 28, 2025, a new European regulation on digital accessibility revolutionizes web standards: theEuropean Accessibility Act (EAA) requires many Belgian companies to make their websites and digital services accessible to all, including people with disabilities.
This obligation no longer only concerns public administrations. If you manage a platform, an e-commerce site or any digital interface intended for the public, you're probably concerned. Here's what you need to know.
A European directive now in force
Adopted in 2019 (EU Directive 2019/882), theEuropean Accessibility Act came fully into force on June 28, 2025. It aims to ensure that all European Union citizens can access digital services, whatever their disability: visual, hearing, motor or cognitive.
It adds to Directive 2016/2102, which already imposed accessibility obligations on public sector websites. The EAA now extends these requirements to private sectorwith clear rules and a harmonized legal basis in all member countries.
Who is affected in Belgium?
The law applies to :
- Private companies offering digital services (websites, platforms, applications, etc.)
- Visit e-commerce sites
- Visit banking and financial services online
- Visit mobile applications for the general public
- Visit ticketing services or transport
- Visit publishers of digital books and multimedia content
Visit micro-companies (fewer than 10 employees and annual sales of less than 2 million euros) are eligible for a exemptionprovided that it can be proved that compliance is a disproportionate burden. However, this must be justified and documented.
What technical requirements must be met?
The directive is based on the European standard EN 301 549based on international recommendations WCAG 2.1 level AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). In particular, these technical standards require :
- A clear navigation and intuitive
- A compatibility with screen readers
- The possibility of using the without mouse (keyboard navigation)
- From sufficient contrast and legible typography
- A well-defined HTML semantic structure
- From text alternatives for images
A non-compliant website can represent a digital barrier for a significant proportion of the Belgian population. Accessibility is not just a technical requirement, it's also an important societal issue and legal.
What are the risks of non-compliance?
The penalties provided for by the Member States vary, but Belgium applies fines of up to 200,000 euros for serious breaches.
Other consequences can be added:
- Reporting or user complaint
- Temporary suspension access to digital services
- Loss of public procurement or partnerships
- Damage to reputation of the company
- Forced compliance costs in a hurry
In the event of persistent non-compliance, daily fines of up to 1,000 euros per day can be applied until the problem is solved.
What impact will this have on Belgian companies?
For companies based in Belgium, this directive represents a major step forward. double opportunity :
- Anticipating legal sanctions by making their site available now
- Strengthen their digital presence by reaching out to a wider, often overlooked audience
An accessible site also improves :
- Visit natural search engine optimization (SEO)because it follows a logical HTML structure
- Visit conversion rateoffering a better user experience
- The image of responsible brand and inclusive
How can you make your site compliant?
Compliance requires a specialized web expertise. Accessibility analysis, technical auditing, HTML/CSS/JS patching, assistive technology testing... all require specific skills.
At WebiphiWe help companies create or redesign their websites. fully compliant with the European directivein strict compliance with EN 301 549 and WCAG recommendations.
We offer customized solutionsWe have the right solution for every structure, whether it's a showcase site, an e-commerce site or a service platform.
Read more : Compliant website design in Belgium
Things to remember
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current law | European Accessibility Act (EU Directive 2019/882) |
| Application | Since June 28, 2025 |
| Companies concerned | Private, e-commerce, banking, transport, digital media |
| Standards to be met | EN 301 549, WCAG 2.1 level AA |
| Exceptions | Micro-businesses with documented justification |
| Risks | Fines up to €200,000, suspension, legal action |
| Opportunities | Better SEO, increased accessibility, inclusive brand image |
