Page contents Page contents Introduction Web accessibility is about ensuring that websites and applications are built in such a way that everyone is able to use and interact with them. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, such as visual, hearing, motor or cognitive impairments. Overall, these features can make websites easier and more usable for all users. To achieve this, the European Commission requires that all its websites, mobile and web-based applications, comply with the Web Accessibility Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/2102). The relevant technical rules are set out in European accessibility standard EN 301 549. This closely follows the industry standard, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The target compliance level is WCAG 2.1, Level 'AA'. Creating content in line with these standards will ensure that all users can access and use the information, services, and tools we provide. This should be true regardless of the device or software they are using. It is most important think about your users’ experiences, not just being compliant. Accessibility is not a checkbox to mark as done, it’s a continuous process. Rules To meet the European Commission's web accessibility standards, websites and mobile apps must comply with EN 301 549 v3.2.1 and WCAG 2.1, Level 'AA'. This applies also to downloadable files published after September 2018, except if older but still useful for administrative tasks. The World Wide Web Consortium published WCAG 2.2 in October 2023. However, conformance of the Commission’s web presence is based on the current version of EN 301 549. Until EN 301 549 has been updated to reflect changes in WCAG 2.2, conformance to criteria introduced by this new version of WCAG remains voluntary. The update of EN 301 549 to WCAG 2.2 is scheduled for September 2025. WCAG principlesThe European Commission uses the industry standards 'Web Content Accessibility Guidelines' (WCAG) published by the Web Accessibility Initiative(WAI). This is compiled by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the standards organisation for the web. Each guideline has testable 'success criteria' (61 in total). WCAG divides the success criteria into three 'levels' of accessibility (A, AA and AAA). Each level requires increased effort to implement. WCAG consists of four design principles:Perceivableprovide text alternatives for non-text contentprovide captions and other alternatives for multimediacreate content that can be presented in different waysmake it easier for users to see and hear contentOperablemake all functionality available from a keyboardgive users enough time to read and use contentdo not use content that causes seizures or physical reactionsmake it easier to use inputs other than keyboardUnderstandablemake text readable and understandablemake web pages appear and operate in predictable wayshelp users avoid and correct mistakesRobustmake sure content can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents Obligations for Commission site owners All Commission websites and mobile apps must meet level 'AA' as a minimum. When creating NEW SITES (including revamps) AND editing EXISTING SITES (where significant changes are made), you must 1. evaluate your site’s level of accessibility2. send an evaluation report with a timeframe for improvements to COMM Europa Management (EU Login required)3. design a feedback mechanism4. publish an accessibility statement (linked to from the footer of the site or for each application) Legal background The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is an international, legally binding instrument setting minimum standards for the rights of people with disabilities. All European Union (EU) Member States have signed and ratified it. The main elements of the UN Convention are reflected in the European disability strategy 2010-2020. Web accessibility action plan As part of its disability rights strategy for 2021-2030, the Commission committed to adopting an action plan on web accessibility (EU Login required). This plan will help ensure compliance of EC websites, including documents published on these websites and online platforms, with European accessibility standards. Specifically, it requires web-based content to comply with the latest version of WCAG. DG Communication has been mandated to implement the Commission's web accessibility action plan (EU Login required) by 2025. Related links Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Overview Understanding WCAG 2.1 Techniques for WCAG 2.1 How people with disabilities use the web Web accessibility fundamentals E-Learning on creating accessible publications Contact and support Need further assistance on this topic? Please contact the team in charge of Europa Domain Management (EU Login required).
