Which Languages Are Required for EAA Compliance?

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a landmark regulation designed to improve accessibility across the European Union (EU). It mandates that businesses ensure their products and services—including digital content, e-commerce platforms, and video media—are accessible to people with disabilities. One of the key aspects of EAA compliance is language accessibility, particularly in video content, where subtitles, captions, and audio descriptions play a crucial role in inclusivity.

For companies operating within or expanding into the EU, understanding the required languages for EAA compliance is essential. This blog explores the language requirements, the importance of localization, and how businesses can align their accessibility strategies with regulatory expectations.

Understanding the EAA and Language Accessibility

The EAA mandates that digital and audiovisual content be made accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those with hearing and visual impairments. This includes the provision of:

Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH)
Audio descriptions for visually impaired users
Accessible electronic formats for documents and communication

To meet these requirements, businesses must offer accessibility support in the languages spoken within the EU markets they serve.

Which Languages Are Required for Compliance?

The EU is home to 24 official languages, but the language requirements for EAA compliance depend on the specific countries where a business operates. The primary languages to consider include:

1. Official EU Languages

Businesses must provide accessibility features in the official languages of the countries where their services are available. These include:

English (Ireland, Malta, and widely spoken across the EU)
French (France, Belgium, Luxembourg)
German (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg)
Spanish (Spain)
Italian (Italy)
Dutch (Netherlands, Belgium)
Polish (Poland)
Swedish (Sweden)
Danish (Denmark)
Finnish (Finland)

2. Regional and Minority Languages

Some EU member states recognize additional regional or minority languages. In certain cases, accessibility compliance may require translations and accessibility features in languages such as:

Basque, Catalan, and Galician (Spain)
Welsh and Scottish Gaelic (United Kingdom, which still aligns with certain EAA regulations)
Frisian (Netherlands)

3. Multilingual Markets and Cross-Border Considerations

Countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg have multiple official languages, requiring businesses to provide accessibility features in multiple languages. For example:

Belgium: Dutch, French, and German
Switzerland: German, French, Italian, and Romansh
Luxembourg: Luxembourgish, French, and German

Best Practices for Meeting EAA Language Requirements

Conduct Market Research: Identify the languages spoken in your target EU countries and ensure your accessibility features align with local requirements.
Use Professional Translation Services: Automated translations can be inaccurate; working with professional translators ensures clarity and compliance.
Implement Multi-Language Subtitle and Caption Support: Providing SDH in the primary language of each country ensures better accessibility.
Offer Audio Descriptions in Key Languages: Enhancing inclusivity for visually impaired audiences by providing descriptive narration in their native language.
Stay Updated on EU Regulations: The EAA is evolving, and businesses must continuously adapt to new standards and language requirements.

Conclusion

Compliance with the EAA is not just a legal obligation—it’s an opportunity for businesses to reach a wider audience and enhance customer experience. By providing accessible content in the required languages, companies can improve engagement, ensure inclusivity, and avoid regulatory penalties.

At Textar, we specialize in multilingual transcription, captioning, and accessibility services, helping businesses navigate the complexities of EAA compliance. Contact us today to ensure your content meets accessibility standards across all EU markets!