Website Accessibility WCAG 2.1 AA & Law 4994/2022
Since 28 June 2025, accessibility of digital services has been a legal requirement (Law 4994/2022, European Accessibility Act), with fines of up to €100,000. If you run an e-shop or a digital service, this applies to you.
At WebMate we build and fix websites so they comply with the WCAG 2.1 AA standard, the reference standard for both the law and NSRF (ESPA) funding programmes.
What the service includes
| Step | What we do |
|---|---|
| 1. Audit | Assessment of the site with automated tools and manual testing: keyboard navigation, screen readers, contrast, structure, forms. |
| 2. Findings report | A list of issues ranked by severity, with what needs fixing and why. |
| 3. Remediation | Changes to the code, structure and content, with no overlay widgets. |
| 4. Accessibility Statement | Drafting and publishing the compliance statement required in inspections and for NSRF (ESPA) funding. |
| 5. Maintenance | Accessibility is an ongoing job. If you wish, we monitor your website for an additional fee. |
The 4 principles of WCAG (POUR)
WCAG rests on four principles: content must be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. Every check we carry out is based on them.
Who it applies to
- E-shops and e-commerce, which fall explicitly under the law.
- Businesses receiving NSRF (ESPA) funding that need AA-level compliance.
- Banking, insurance and electronic services for consumers.
- Anyone who wants better SEO and a wider audience, since an accessible site is also easier for search engines to read.
Why a widget isn’t enough
Overlay tools that promise “one-click compliance” add a settings icon, yet they leave the structure of the code untouched, and that’s where accessibility is really judged. In several countries they have even been the subject of lawsuits. The right fix is made at the root of the site.
Learn more
We’ve written in detail about the legal framework: Fines of up to €100,000: what applies to websites and e-shops.
Related services: Website development · E-shop development
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to make my site accessible?
It depends on whether we’re fixing an existing site or building a new one. On a new build, accessibility is part of the design from the start and the extra cost is small. On an existing site, it depends on how deep the problems go in the theme and the structure. We always start with an audit and a written quote.
How long does it take?
The audit is completed quickly. The fixes depend on the scope of the findings. We give you a timeline together with the quote, once we’ve looked at your site.
Does the law apply to me?
If you provide digital services to consumers (e-shop, bookings, banking, electronic communications), most likely yes. Microenterprises that provide services may be exempt. We clarify this in the initial audit.
Isn’t an accessibility widget enough?
No. Overlay widgets that add an icon with font settings don’t fix the structure of the code and aren’t recognised as compliance. Accessibility is solved in the code, and a layer on top can’t do that job.
Do I need accessibility for NSRF (ESPA) funding?
Funded digital projects require accessibility for people with disabilities at level AA, along with supporting documentation (an Accessibility Statement). The exact version of the standard varies from call to call, so we check it for yours.
Request an accessibility audit
Send us your site and we’ll tell you where you stand with the law, with no obligation. 📞 21 0700 0917 · ✉️ info@web-mate.gr
This content is for information only and does not constitute legal advice.
