EAA Fines by Country: What Every EU Business Needs to Know (2025)
The European Accessibility Act has been enforceable since June 28, 2025. Each EU member state has transposed the directive into national law with its own fine structure and enforcement authority. Here's what businesses face.
Portugal — €5,000 to €44,890
Enforcement by ANACOM (communications regulator) and AMA (Agency for Administrative Modernisation). Fines apply to digital services and e-commerce platforms failing to meet WCAG 2.1 AA.
Germany — €10,000 to €100,000
The BFIT (Bundesfachstelle für Barrierefreiheit) oversees compliance. German transposition through the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) is particularly strict on e-commerce.
France — €20,000 to €250,000
ARCOM enforces accessibility requirements. France has a strong track record of accessibility enforcement, with fines applicable per violation per year of non-compliance.
Spain — €30,001 to €1,000,000
The Ministry of Social Rights handles enforcement. Spain has the highest maximum fine in the EU, reflecting a tiered system: minor infractions (€30,001-€90,000), serious (€90,001-€300,000), very serious (€300,001-€1,000,000).
Netherlands — Up to €900,000 or 10% of turnover
The ACM (Authority for Consumers and Markets) can impose fines up to €900,000 or 10% of annual turnover, whichever is higher. This makes the Netherlands one of the strictest enforcers in the EU.
Italy — €5,000 to €150,000
AgID (Agenzia per l'Italia Digitale) monitors compliance. Italy has extended accessibility requirements beyond the EAA minimum to include large private companies.
Austria — €5,000 to €80,000
The Sozialministeriumservice (Federal Ministry of Social Affairs) enforces the Barrierefreiheitsgesetz (BaFG). SMEs face lower maximums.
Belgium — €1,000 to €200,000
FPS Economy handles enforcement. Belgium applies a progressive fine structure based on company size and severity of non-compliance.
Ireland — €5,000 to €60,000
The CCPC (Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) oversees digital accessibility enforcement.
What should you do?
Start with an accessibility audit to understand your current compliance level. Fix critical issues first (contrast, alt text, keyboard navigation), then work through remaining violations systematically.