Accessibility Summit in Bucharest, Romania: June 26-27 on the Future of Accessibility in Europe

Europe is entering a new era of digital inclusion, with accessibility taking centre stage in both policy and innovation. The introduction of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is reshaping how businesses approach digital products and services, making accessibility not just a legal requirement but a key driver of growth and innovation.

The European Accessibility Act: Raising the Bar Across the Continent

The EAA, coming into force in June 2025, sets out clear and binding requirements for digital accessibility across the European Union. It aims to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to online services, e-commerce, digital content, and customer support. The law applies to a wide range of businesses, from online retailers to banking platforms, and covers everything from website navigation and multimedia content to payment systems.

For European companies, this means websites and apps must be easy to perceive, navigate, and understand for everyone. Features like alternative text for images, keyboard navigation, clear instructions, and compatibility with assistive technologies are now essential. Video content must include subtitles, and interfaces must be intuitive for users with various abilities.

While the EAA brings new compliance challenges, it also opens doors for businesses to reach a broader audience. By making digital platforms accessible, companies can tap into a market of millions of Europeans who previously faced barriers to online access. Early adopters of these standards are likely to see increased customer loyalty and a stronger reputation for inclusivity.

Accessibility as a Pathway to Innovation

Across Europe, accessibility is being recognised as a catalyst for innovation. By designing with everyone in mind, businesses are discovering new solutions that benefit all users, not just those with disabilities. Features like closed captioning, speech-to-text, and ergonomic design have become mainstream, demonstrating how accessibility can drive product evolution.

Collaboration is also becoming a hallmark of the European approach. Companies are sharing best practices and even proprietary solutions to raise the standard of accessibility across industries. This spirit of open innovation is helping to accelerate progress and ensure that accessibility is woven into the fabric of digital development.

Romania’s Commitment: The Accessibility Summit

Romania is stepping up as a leader in this European movement by hosting the Accessibility Summit. This event brings together policymakers, business leaders, technologists, and advocates to explore the challenges and opportunities of digital accessibility.

The Accessibility Summit, held between June 26 and 27 at the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, Romania, will provide practical guidance on EAA compliance, highlight innovative solutions from across Europe, and foster collaboration between local and international stakeholders.

For Romanian businesses, the summit presents an opportunity to learn from European best practices, connect with experts, and position themselves at the forefront of digital inclusion. It also underscores Romania’s commitment to creating a more accessible digital landscape for all its citizens.

Action Steps for European Businesses

To meet the demands of the EAA and embrace the opportunities of accessibility, European companies should:

• Conduct thorough accessibility audits of their digital platforms.
• Implement changes to meet EAA and recognised accessibility standards.
• Train staff on accessibility principles and inclusive design.
• Regularly test and update digital services to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Engage with users with disabilities to gather feedback and improve solutions.
• Explore new technologies, such as AI, to further enhance accessibility.

Events like Romania’s Accessibility Summit drive awareness and action, and accessibility is becoming a cornerstone of digital strategy. By prioritising inclusion, European businesses are not only meeting legal requirements but also unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth. The future of accessibility in Europe is bright, and Romania is playing a key role in shaping it.