Web Accessibility.

Digital Accessibility becomes mandatory as of 28/06/2025, according to Law 4994/2022 which incorporates EU Directive 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act – EAA). The obligation applies to all public bodies and many private companies, with strict administrative penalties for non-compliance.

Why Now? European Accessibility Act (EAA) – Directive (EU) 2019/882

As of 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) is fully applicable, making compliance with Digital Accessibility standards a legal requirement for thousands of businesses and organizations across the European Union.

In Greece, the Directive has been transposed into national legislation through Law 4994/2022, introducing compliance audits, technical requirements, and significant financial penalties for non-compliance.

The obligation applies to all public sector organizations and authorities, regardless of size or sector (under Directive (EU) 2016/2102). It also applies to private businesses offering specific digital products or services, with enforcement and compliance inspections becoming increasingly stringent.

Οδηγία εε 2019/882 Ψηφιακή Προσβασιμότητα

Web Accessibility

Web Accessibility ensures that websites, applications, and digital services can be accessed and used equally by people with disabilities.

Through inclusive design and proper technical implementation, users can access information and digital services regardless of limitations related to vision, hearing, mobility, or cognitive abilities.

Beyond technical compliance with standards such as WCAG, accessibility is about inclusion, equal participation, and creating digital experiences that are usable by everyone—an essential principle of a fair and modern digital society.

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Visual

Issues such as blindness, low vision, or color blindness require screen readers and proper color contrast.

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Hearing

Deafness or hearing loss requires subtitles, visual cues, and avoidance of audio-only information.

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Motor

Keyboard navigation and compatibility with assistive technologies are required for users with limited mobility.

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Cognitive

Clear structure, simple text, and clear instructions are required for users with dyslexia, ADHD, or learning difficulties.

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Neurological

Conditions such as epilepsy or Parkinson’s require stability, simplicity, and avoidance of intense stimuli.

WCAG Accessibility Standards

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the internationally recognized accessibility standard developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) through its Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). They serve as the global benchmark for digital accessibility across websites, web applications, and digital services.

Their purpose is to define clear technical and functional requirements that ensure digital content is accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of disability or technological limitations. By following these guidelines, organizations enable people with diverse abilities to access and interact with digital services effectively.

The WCAG framework has evolved through versions 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2. Version 2.0 was introduced in 2008, version 2.1 expanded accessibility requirements for mobile devices and users with mobility impairments (2018), while version 2.2 (2023) introduced additional criteria to better support users with cognitive disabilities. All versions are backward compatible and are based on the same four core accessibility principles.

WCAG defines three levels of conformance:

Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA, representing progressively higher levels of accessibility.

  • WCAG 2.1

    A

    Covers the minimum technical requirements to ensure your content is usable by people with disabilities. This includes essential features like keyboard navigation and image alt text. It’s a foundation, but not sufficient for most organizations

  • WCAG 2.1

    AA

    AA is the standard level required by laws like the European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882). It ensures content is both functional and accessible, with clear links, proper color contrast, and mobile responsiveness. This is the target most public and private sector organizations should aim for.

  • WCAG 2.1

    AAA

    AAA is the highest standard. It’s not legally required, but it represents a best-in-class commitment to accessibility. It’s ideal for organizations that serve diverse audiences with complex needs, including cognitive, visual, or multiple impairments.

Accessibility Principles

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Perceivable

Information and media must be accessible through alternative forms, such as text, audio, or subtitles

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Operable

Navigation must be possible via keyboard, voice, or assistive technologies.

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Understandable

Content and functionality must be clear, predictable, and easy to understand.

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Robust

Content must work reliably across all technologies and accessibility tools.

European Accessibility Act (EAA)

European Accessibility Act (EAA) is the European legal framework that establishes requirements for the digital accessibility of products and services. Its purpose is to ensure that people with disabilities and older adults have equal access to technologies and digital platforms.

In Greece, the Directive was incorporated into national law through Law 4994/2022.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) primarily applies to private companies that offer digital products and services to the general public. Specifically, it concerns companies that:

  • Employ more than 10 employees, or
  • Have an annual turnover exceeding 2 million euros, or
  • Provide services or products to public authorities

Very small businesses may be exempt if they can prove that compliance would cause them disproportionate burden. Compliance becomes mandatory from June 28, 2025.

The EAA applies to a wide range of private sector digital products and services including websites, mobile applications, online stores, banking services, streaming platforms, e-books, communication devices, kiosks, and POS systems.

Small businesses with under 10 employees or annual revenue less than €2 million may be exempt if they demonstrate that compliance would impose a disproportionate burden.

  • June 27, 2019: The European Accessibility Act (EAA) became effective across the EU

  • June 28, 2022: Deadline for member states to transpose the Directive into national law (in Greece: Law 4994/2022).

  • June 28, 2025: Accessibility compliance becomes mandatory for all businesses covered by the EAA

Starting June 28, 2025, failure to meet the accessibility requirements of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) can lead to penalties including fines, mandatory compliance actions, and public disclosure of breaches.

The relevant authorities will decide on sanctions depending on the seriousness of the offense, and citizens or organizations can submit complaints.

Unsure if your website meets the requirements of the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

Request a free audit from our specialists by submitting the contact form, and we’ll help you navigate the next steps.

European Accessibility Act- EAA

More Than Regulatory Compliance

Social Responsibility
Digital accessibility reflects respect for diversity and fosters equal inclusion of all users.
Competitive Advantage
Accessible services demonstrate a company’s commitment and help set it apart in the marketplace.
SEO
Compliance with accessibility standards improves content structure, boosting visibility and overall user experience.
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Case Study prosvasis.dypa.gov.gr

  • Full compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AAA, ensuring the highest standards of digital accessibility.
  • Platform designed and developed from the ground up with accessibility as a core principle.
  • Public sector project delivered for the Public Employment Service (DYPA), providing equal access to digital services for citizens with disabilities.
  • Gold Winner at the Impact BITE Awards 2022 in the Public Sector category for excellence in digital accessibility.

Why Lioncode?

With extensive experience and technical expertise, Lioncode designs, develops, and upgrades digital products that meet modern accessibility requirements while ensuring full compliance with international standards.

  • Free initial website/platform accessibility assessment
  • Comprehensive technical and functional WCAG accessibility audit
  • Accessibility remediation for existing digital products
  • End-to-end design and development of fully accessible websites and digital platforms
  • Experienced team with successful accessibility projects in both the public and private sectors
  • Tailored recommendations and implementation plans for every project
  • Ongoing technical guidance and accessibility support
  • Gold Award-winning accessibility implementation for a public sector platform achieving WCAG AAA compliance
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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about web accessibility, legal compliance, accessibility obligations, and the steps required to meet current accessibility standards.

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?
Contact our team for personalized guidance and accessibility consultation.

Web accessibility guarantees that everyone, including users with disabilities, can easily navigate and use your websites, apps, and digital services. It supports compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), enhances user satisfaction, and broadens your customer base.

The best way is to have a professional accessibility audit done following WCAG. Feel free to request a free audit by filling out our contact form.

Pricing varies based on the size and complexity of your website or app. We provide tailored solutions to fit any budget, starting with a free audit and going up to full accessibility implementation.

The timeframe varies based on your current setup and the complexity of your content. A basic review and optimization typically takes a few weeks up to several months. Starting early ensures a smoother path to full compliance.

In most cases, existing websites can be made accessible by making specific adjustments to code, layout, and content. An accessibility audit will clarify if a full redesign is necessary or if optimizing the current site will suffice.

A thorough accessibility audit covers code review, UI/UX assessment, testing with assistive technologies, keyboard navigation checks, and screen reader compatibility. It also provides a detailed report with actionable recommendations to ensure your site complies with WCAG guidelines and the European Accessibility Act (EAA).

You can demonstrate accessibility with a certificate from a professional audit and a clear Accessibility Statement detailing which WCAG requirements your site meets.

Free Digital Accessibility Assessment

Complete the contact form and receive a free accessibility assessment of your website.

Based on the requirements of the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) and the WCAG standards, our experts will evaluate your website and provide guidance on improving its accessibility, usability, and compliance for all users.