AccessibleEU and the European Blind Union are pleased to host this joint event “Building an Accessible Book Ecosystem: Publishers at the Heart of the EAA Transition”, a strategic space for dialogue, technical knowledge sharing and the development of a common roadmap to accelerate editorial accessibility across Europe.
The entry into force of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) in June 2025 represents a structural shift for the European publishing sector. For the first time, e-books, digital reading platforms, distribution services and associated technological tools will be required to comply with mandatory accessibility requirements. This new regulatory framework aims to ensure that all people including those with visual impairments, intellectual disabilities or reading difficulties can access digital content on equal terms.
Its implementation aligns with the spirit of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled, which since 2013 has promoted the removal of legal barriers to the creation and cross border exchange of works in accessible formats.
The convergence of these two instruments both mandatory, one regulatory in the EU and the other international creates a unique opportunity to transform the European publishing ecosystem into a more inclusive, sustainable model grounded in the right to access culture and information.
The event will explore how the EAA and the Marrakesh Treaty will drive a more accessible publishing ecosystem, highlighting the essential role of publishers and the need to ensure that e-books and reading platforms meet accessibility standards for all users.
How to participate
This is a hybrid event. You can register here for online or onsite attendance
Where
Thon Hotel EU. Netherlands I & II Meeting Rooms. Rue de la Loi 75, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
When
Wednesday, 30 September 2026. 9.00 - 13.30 CEST
Language
English
Accessibility
Accessible venue. Captioning in English. International Sign.