The looming June 28, 2025 deadline for compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) has raised alarm bells within Ireland’s digital business community. Digital Business Ireland (DBI), the country’s leading digital industry representative body, has revealed that nearly half of Irish companies remain unaware of the new EU digital accessibility requirements and doubt their ability to meet the upcoming legal obligations. This lack of preparedness threatens not only regulatory penalties but also the competitiveness of Irish firms in the evolving digital economy.
Digital Accessibility Compliance: A Growing Concern for Irish Businesses
Nearly 50% of Firms Unaware of EAA Requirements
DBI’s recent findings highlight a significant awareness gap among Irish businesses regarding the European Accessibility Act, a key piece of EU legislation mandating that digital products and services be accessible to people with disabilities. Approximately 49% of Irish companies surveyed admitted they are unfamiliar with the EAA’s stipulations and do not expect to be compliant by the June 2025 deadline. This poses a substantial risk as non-compliance could lead to legal repercussions and loss of market access within the EU.
The Digital Sector’s Economic Importance Amplifies the Stakes
Ireland’s digital economy is valued at around $19 billion and includes a strong presence of U.S. digital technology companies. The sector operates under a complex regulatory environment shaped by multiple EU directives such as the Digital Markets Act, Digital Services Act, GDPR, NIS2 Directive, and now the EAA. These regulations collectively impose rigorous compliance demands on firms, ranging from data privacy and cybersecurity to taxation and sustainability reporting. The EAA adds another layer, requiring businesses to ensure their websites, apps, and digital services meet accessibility standards.
Broader Digital Compliance Challenges Facing Irish Businesses
Evolving Regulatory Landscape Beyond Accessibility
Irish companies are not only grappling with the EAA but also with a suite of other digital compliance requirements. These include real-time VAT reporting obligations, enhanced data privacy rules with stricter penalties, cybersecurity incident reporting under the NIS2 Directive, and sustainability disclosures mandated by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The cumulative effect of these regulations demands significant operational adjustments and resource allocation.
Digital Skills Strength Yet Regulatory Awareness Lags
Despite Ireland’s strong digital skills base—with 72.9% of the population possessing basic digital skills, well above the EU average of 55.6%, and 6.2% employment in ICT specialist roles compared to the EU’s 4.8%—awareness of specific regulatory requirements like the EAA remains insufficient. This gap between digital capability and regulatory knowledge underscores the need for targeted education and awareness campaigns.
Industry Reactions and Calls to Action
Digital Business Ireland’s Alarm and Advocacy
DBI has publicly expressed concern over the low awareness levels and readiness among Irish businesses for the EAA compliance deadline. The organization emphasizes that the lack of preparedness could expose companies to legal risks and undermine Ireland’s position as a digital innovation hub. DBI is actively campaigning to raise awareness and provide guidance to businesses on meeting their accessibility obligations.
Emphasis on Education and Support
Industry experts advocate for comprehensive education initiatives to help businesses understand the scope and importance of the EAA and other digital regulations. Such efforts are seen as essential to fostering a culture of digital responsibility and ensuring that firms can adapt to the evolving regulatory environment without compromising innovation or competitiveness.
Ireland’s Leadership Role in EU Digital Policy
Ireland’s engagement in EU digital policymaking, including its chairmanship of the Digital Nine Plus (D9+) group in early 2024, reflects its commitment to shaping coherent and effective digital regulations. This leadership role underscores the country’s strategic interest in balancing regulatory compliance with fostering a thriving digital economy.
With the June 2025 deadline fast approaching, the findings from Digital Business Ireland serve as a critical wake-up call for Irish businesses. The significant proportion of firms unaware of or unprepared for the European Accessibility Act highlights the urgent need for increased education, support, and proactive compliance measures. Addressing this gap will be vital not only for legal adherence but also for maintaining Ireland’s competitive edge in the digital sector amid a rapidly evolving European regulatory landscape.
