New Accessibility Obligations for Businesses: What Directive 2019/882/EU and Greek Legislation Provides for

From June 2025, significant changes for businesses offering products and services in the European area will come into force, based on the new Directive 2019/882/EU (European Accessibility Act – EAA) and the Greek Law 4782/2021. What is changing, who is affected and how should businesses prepare, especially in the hospitality sector?

What is Directive 2019/882/EU (EAA)?

Directive 2019/882/EU, known as the European Accessibility Act (EAA), aims to ensure equal access for all citizens – especially people with disabilities – to essential goods and services, both in the physical and digital environment. Accessibility is now not only a social issue but also a legal obligation for businesses.

Incorporation into Greek legislation

Greece has transposed the Directive by Law 4782/2021 (Article 127), which explicitly sets out the obligations concerning the provision of digitally accessible services and products.

Who it concerns

The new legislation affects a wide range of businesses, including:

• Banks

• Retail trade enterprises

• Telecommunications

• IT service enterprises

• Transport service providers

• Hospitality businesses (hotels, tourist accommodation, online booking platforms)

Especially hotels and tourist units (many of which are among EMD Infotech’s clients), are called upon to adapt to the new accessibility requirements for their digital channels, such as websites, booking applications, electronic communication forms and even digital terminals (self check-in, info kiosks, etc.).

What is foreseen

In particular, businesses are required to ensure that:

• Websites and mobile apps meet international accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA or later).

• Information and services offered online are accessible to people with disabilities (e.g. screen reader users, people with visual, hearing or mobility difficulties).

• Automatic customer service systems (kiosks, terminals) meet accessibility requirements.

• Adequate information is provided on the available accessibility features.

Deadlines – Deadlines

• Implementation date: 28 June 2025.
  By then, businesses in scope will have completed the necessary compliance actions.

• Transitional phase:
  There is a provision for a transitional period until 2030 only for products released before 28 June 2025.

What actions are required?

1. Checking websites and applications for any accessibility audit.

2. Technical upgrades where required to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

3. Training for staff who manage content or serve customers through digital channels.

4. Detailed information to customers about the new accessibility features.

5. A statement of accessibility on the website and/or application, describing the measures taken.

What are the risks for those who do not comply?

Non-compliance may result in:

• Administrative fines

• Complaints and legal actions

• Loss of customer confidence and damage to the reputation of the business

How can EMD Infotech help?

EMD Infotech has the know-how and the appropriate tools for:

• Full accessibility audit of websites and applications

• Development or upgrade of digital channels according to WCAG 2.1 standards

• Staff counselling and training

• Preparing an accessibility statement and ensuring compliance with the new legal framework

For more information and support on complying with EAA requirements, contact our team.

Contact us for a free initial accessibility check of your website or app!

This article is for information purposes only and is based on current legislation up to May 2025.

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