What is the problem ? Not all public sector websites are fully accessible and progress is slow

Only limited progress can be detected towards eAccessibility in Europe. This was the main result of the "Measuring progress of eAccessibility in Europe" study, first published in October 2007 and commissioned as part of the follow-up to the European Commission’s Communication on eAccessibility of 2005. This result was confirmed in a 2008 follow up report.

Why is EU Action required ? Public administration online services should be accessible to all

The Internet is becoming a major channel for the provision of services. Posing barriers for some citizens to access them – websites that are not built with accessibility features –leads to social exclusion and a negative economic impact.

Expected effects and impacts concern an important part (15%) of the EU population that are disabled, many of the elderly, and about 60% of regular users who expect to benefit from improved web-accessibility.

What will the Commission do ?

The Commission is conducting an impact assessment on potential interventions (see Roadmap on this initiative). This work will lead in 2011 to proposals on how the accessibility of public sector websites in all Member States can be ensured.

Contact:

paul.timmers@ec.europa.eu