The impact of the European Accessibility Act on the cultural sector: obligations and opportunities for archives, museums and libraries

Starting from June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EU Directive 2019/882) introduced significant digital accessibility requirements for cultural institutions, both public and private. After providing a regulatory and conceptual framework on the topic of digital accessibility, the paper traces the evolution of European and national legislation, focusing on the interaction between the new directive and the previous directive 2016/2102. It then analyzes the direct and indirect implications for cultural institutions, distinguishing between certain areas of application. It highlights how accessibility should not be considered a mere technical or regulatory constraint, but rather an opportunity to strengthen the democratic and inclusive role of cultural institutions. In a context that is increasingly attentive to disability and social inclusion, the directive, despite presenting some interpretative challenges, offers a unique opportunity to rethink accessibility as a design paradigm and democratic mission. The essay concludes by emphasizing the urgency of cultural adaptation, aimed at fully integrating accessibility into the digital and inclusive strategies of cultural sites.

Full-text of the article is available for this locale: Italiano.