{"id":170,"date":"2025-06-09T08:17:23","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T08:17:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/markegy.at\/european-accessibility-act\/"},"modified":"2025-06-09T08:17:23","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T08:17:23","slug":"european-accessibility-act","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/markegy.at\/en\/european-accessibility-act\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Website Affected by the European Accessibility Act? A Guide for Austrian Businesses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you have a business in Austria with an online presence, an important piece of legislation, the Barrierefreiheitsgesetz<\/em> (Accessibility Act)<\/a>, which transposes the EU\u2019s European Accessibility Act, might apply to you. The Barrierefreiheitsgesetz is Austria\u2019s implementation of the EU accessibility directive, which sets out harmonized accessibility standards across the European Union. This law requires certain websites and online services to be accessible to people with disabilities.<\/p>\n

The European Accessibility Act was developed and adopted with the involvement of the European Commission and the European Parliament, so there\u2019s a unified approach to accessibility across all EU countries.<\/p>\n

But how do you know if your website is one of them? It mainly comes down to what your website does<\/em>.<\/strong> Let\u2019s break it down.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The New Era of Digital Accessibility in Austria<\/h2>\n

A new chapter in digital accessibility is opening up in Austria and the European Union with the European Accessibility Act (EAA). Coming into force in June 2025, this accessibility act sets out accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services, and will change how businesses approach their digital offerings. The EAA\u2019s main goal is to remove the barriers that have long prevented people with disabilities from fully participating in the digital world, so everyone can have equal access to services.<\/p>\n

For Austrian businesses this means everything from banking services and e-commerce services to audiovisual media services must now be designed with accessibility in mind. The directive doesn\u2019t just apply to public sector bodies \u2013 it extends to private sector companies that provide services or sell products within the internal market of the European Union. Whether you offer online payment services, streaming platforms or digital banking, the EAA\u2019s accessibility requirements will become part of doing business in the EU.<\/p>\n

By aligning national laws with the European Accessibility Act, Austria is creating a more inclusive digital environment where everyone can access products and services without unnecessary obstacles. As the digital world evolves, understanding and implementing these new requirements is key for any organization that wants to succeed in the European market and support the rights of people with disabilities.<\/p>\n

Which Websites and Services Are Covered by the Law?<\/h2>\n

The law specifies the services covered by the EAA, targeting websites and mobile apps that are considered \u201ce-commerce services\u201d. This is a broad term that covers more than just traditional online shops. Your website is likely affected if it provides:* Online Sales:<\/strong> Any service that allows a customer to conclude a contract to buy a product or service. This includes webshops selling goods, travel portals for booking flights or accommodation, and any platform where a user can make a reservation or purchase.<\/p>\n