What Is Accessibility and How Is It Implemented in Belgium?

What Is Belgium Accessibility and Who Does It Affect?

Belgium accessibility encompasses legal obligations and practical measures to ensure people with disabilities can fully participate in society with accessibility compliance across all sectors. In 2021, Belgium enshrined the right to inclusion for persons with disabilities in its Constitution, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Belgian Accessibility Act and the European Accessibility Act (EAA), effective from June 28, 2025, mandate that digital services—including websites and mobile applications—must be compliant, and that organizations maintain proper accessibility documentation to demonstrate adherence.
 

What Are the Key Accessibility Laws and Regulations in Belgium?

The Belgian Accessibility Act transposes the European Accessibility Act into national law, establishing clear legal obligations for public and private sectors. To ensure accessibility compliance, entities must prepare self-assessment reports as part of their accessibility documentation and comply with strict accessibility enforcement mechanisms. Penalties for non-compliance include fines and removal of non-conforming products from the market.
 

How Does Accessibility Vary Across Different Regions of Belgium?

Accessibility regulations vary across regions:

• In the Flemish Region, all public buildings accessibility standards must be met during construction or renovation, with mandatory accessibility assessments and certifications ensuring accessibility of buildings for people with reduced mobility.
   
• The Walloon Region enforces similar regulations aligned with EU directives focusing on public services accessibility and barrier-free access.
   
• The Brussels-Capital Region mandates that new public buildings and renovations comply with strict urban planning regulations, supported by regional policies to enhance accessibility for all.
  
   

How Is Digital Accessibility Ensured in Belgium?

Belgium ensures digital accessibility by requiring all digital platforms, including websites and mobile apps, to comply with WCAG standards. Organizations must publish accessibility statements and implement features compatible with assistive technologies, ensuring full accessibility compliance across digital services.
 

How Is Physical Accessibility Addressed in Belgium's Public Infrastructure?

Belgium requires all public buildings to provide accessibility of buildings for people with reduced mobility, including ramps, elevators, and adapted entrances. Regional laws regulate roads and access points to facilitate safe and barrier-free movement. Public services emphasize improving access for deaf people through visual alarms and hearing assistance, ensuring comprehensive public services accessibility.
 

What Accessibility Requirements Exist for Services and Commerce?

Belgium mandates payment services accessibility to ensure that consumer banking services—such as ATMs and online banking—are usable by people with disabilities. Additionally, e-commerce services must provide accessible interfaces and clear identification dialogues. These measures reinforce consumer protection and promote equal access to financial and commercial services.