A New Report Highlights European Companies' Struggle to Meet Accessibility Standards

Most European Companies Unprepared for Accessibility Regulations



A recent report from Evinced, a prominent software company specializing in accessible web and mobile development, has brought to light the concerning level of preparedness among European companies as they confront the enforcement of the European Accessibility Act (EAA). Effective this week, the EAA aims to promote digital accessibility and inclusion within the EU, but the findings suggest that many firms are far from compliant.

Key Findings of the EAA Readiness Report



Conducted in April and May 2025, the EAA Readiness Report surveyed 120 European companies to assess their readiness for compliance with the EAA. Surprisingly, only 27% of those companies felt fully prepared for the impending changes. Alarmingly, 45% reported they were only somewhat prepared, while 28% admitted to being either somewhat unprepared or entirely unprepared. This data reveals a startling lack of readiness, especially considering the six years that have elapsed since the EAA was first announced.

Evinced's findings indicate that even among those who believe they are adequately prepared, the levels of confidence may be misplaced. Specifically, just 19% of respondents among the 'fully prepared' group reported that they had effectively transformed their product development processes to prevent future accessibility issues. Nevertheless, there is a silver lining; 84% of these companies do express an intention to enhance their processes within the year, aiming to implement dedicated accessibility teams, tools, and training to facilitate this change.

Challenges Faced by Unprepared Companies



The report also highlights the differing circumstances of unprepared companies, which tend to be smaller in scale compared to their fully prepared counterparts. Many of these companies do not foresee significant progress in their accessibility efforts in 2025 and anticipate that it may take several more years to achieve full compliance. In the interim, their focus will primarily be on remediation projects and audits, making only basic adjustments to their product development processes without the aid of specialized teams or tools.

"Accessibility is not merely a box to tick off," stated Navin Thadani, CEO and co-founder of Evinced. Thadani emphasized the importance of embracing an inclusive mindset in the developmental process, highlighting that true compliance extends beyond regulatory fulfillment to embody a cultural commitment to inclusion within companies.

A Wider Impact Beyond European Borders



While Evinced specifically focused on European companies for this study, the implications of the EAA stretch beyond the EU. Companies outside of Europe, particularly those in the US and the UK with EU operations or clientele, will also need to align their practices with the EAA standards. "This Act isn’t limited to Europe," Thadani remarked, underscoring that early investments into scalable processes, training, and tools will provide companies with the competitive advantage to deliver superior inclusive digital experiences.

The EAA not only represents a commitment to accessibility but also serves as a strategic approach for businesses looking to avoid reactive and potentially costly fixes down the line. Companies are increasingly realizing that accessibility is not just a social responsibility; it's also a prudent business strategy.

Conclusion



The insights from Evinced's report serve as a wake-up call for European companies and their global counterparts. As they prepare for compliance with the EAA, organizations must recognize the necessity of a proactive approach to accessibility, embedding it within their operational frameworks rather than treating it as an afterthought. For further information on cultivating inclusive digital experiences, businesses are encouraged to visit Evinced.

Topics Policy & Public Interest)

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